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Lomachenko Plans 2026 Return, Aims at Navarrete

5/23/2026

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Summary

Lomachenko Returns 2026

Vasiliy Lomachenko announced he will return to boxing in 2026.
His last fight was in May 2024, when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round.
He retired in June 2024 because of back problems and waning motivation.
He will skip tune-up fights, target Emanuel Navarrete, and may later face Gervonta Davis at 135 lb.

Summary

Cruz Joins Reynoso

Isaac Cruz signed with Eddy Reynoso, Canelo Álvarez’s trainer, leaving his previous camp.
The change indicates Cruz is seeking a new direction and confirms he will not fight Gervonta Davis again, after his 2021 unanimous-decision loss in a hard-punching bout.
With Cruz removed, Davis’s next opponents are expected to be former champion Vasyl Lomachenko or unbeaten pound-for-pound Shakur Stevenson, who has urged a matchup with Davis.

History

Historical Context

After a three-year ban, Muhammad Ali was licensed in August 1970, won a comeback bout against Jerry Quarry and earned a $2.5 million purse for the March 1971 Fight of the Century versus Joe Frazier. That high-profile return showed how legacy can command huge paydays, a model now echoed by veterans Vasiliy Lomachenko and Isaac Cruz planning marquee 2026 comebacks.

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Lomachenko Returns 2026

Vasiliy Lomachenko announced he will return to boxing in 2026.
His last fight was in May 2024, when he stopped George Kambosos Jr. in the 11th round.
He retired in June 2024 because of back problems and waning motivation.
He will skip tune-up fights, target Emanuel Navarrete, and may later face Gervonta Davis at 135 lb.

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