Vasiliy Lomachenko announces boxing retirement in emotional social media video

Modern-day boxing great Vasiliy Lomachenko has officially announced his retirement after capturing world titles in three weight divisions across a glittering 11-year-long professional boxing career.

The Ukrainian superstar remarkably became a three-weight world champion in just 12 fights, having previously established himself as the most decorated amateur in the sport's history.

Prior to turning professional in 2013, he enjoyed a scintillating spell in the unpaid ranks, capturing two Olympic gold medals and losing just one his 397 fights.

As a pro, Lomachenko was equally as prolific, winning world titles at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight, before announcing his decision to hang up his gloves on Thursday.

"I am grateful for every defeat and victory, both in the ring and in life," he said on Instagram.

I am thankful that, as my career comes to an end, I have generated clarity about the direction a person must take in order to achieve true victory. Not just in the ring but in the whole self. Only then can one achieve their true reward.

- Vasiliy Lomachenko (Instagram)

"I thank God for my honest and kind parents for their care, love and warmth throughout my life.

"My father (and trainer Anatoly Lomachenko) not only taught me the art of boxing but also how to be a role model for my own children, the same way he has been for me.

"I have made many mistakes in life and in the gym, but he was always by my side...

"Dear Egis [Klimas], thank you for everything you have done for me and my family. You are a man who knows his craft. The best manager in the world, who became a friend and part of our family.

"Your professionalism goes hand in hand with your character.

"I want to thank Top Rank and Mr Bob Arum for the amazing opportunity to showcase my abilities in boxing.

"I would also be remiss not to thank my dear boxing fans around the world. You have always supported me with passion for over a decade. I hope you continue to respect and love this sport...

"Peace to all, may the lord bless his people."

It was evident from the infancy of his professional years that Lomachenko was destined for a career at the very top - this despite being beaten by Orlando Salido for the vacant WBO featherweight title in his second fight.

He subsequently bounced back from that loss to land the WBO's 126lbs belt in June 2014 though, beating Gary Russell Jr by majority decision, before stepping up a class to pick up the WBO super-featherweight title with victory over Roman Martinez two years later.

After making four successful title defences, the southpaw sensation made a seamless transition into the stacked lightweight division, immediately claiming the scalp of Jorge Linares to prize the WBA and Ring belts from the supremely-talented Venezuelan.

Lomachenko then went on to capture the WBO and WBC belts to further strengthen his grip on the 135lbs division, before falling just short of capturing undisputed lightweight championship glory in a pulsating affair with Teofimo Lopez.

Of his opening 16 fights as a professional, remarkably 15 of them were world title fights, and whilst three of his most recent showdowns didn't have any titles attached to them, his final clash with George Kambosos Jr did, and, of course, he went on to win it.

However, discussions for a long-mooted unification affair with Gervonta 'Tank' Davis ultimately fell by the wayside, paving the way for the Ukrainian great to call time upon his career.

It feels fitting that he is bowing out of boxing as a world champion.

Mark Mothershaw

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