The 34-year-old boxer put the interests of the homeland above personal ones.
Ukrainian boxer Vasyliy Lomachenko refused to fight against the absolute world lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr.
This was announced by the promoter of the Australian Lou DiBella in a comment to ESPN.
Lomachenko was the main contender for the fight against George Kambosos Jr., the fight was planned in Australia. However, since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Vasily joined the Belgorod-Dniestrovsky defense.
Promoter Bob Arum said that the Ukrainian government would allow Lomachenko to leave the country to hold a championship fight with Kambosos. However, Vasyl himself decided to stay in Ukraine with his family and help defend his homeland from the Russian occupiers.
"I spoke with Egis Klimas, and he confirmed to me that Lomachenko would not fight the next battle against Kambosos. He thanked Kambosos and me for giving the time and opportunity to think. The next day, when the Ukrainian government permitted for Lomachenko to fight, we asked to him, but disagreed. I assumed that this option was likely, so not shocked.
Egis confirmed that Lomachenko remains in Ukraine. We support him and think that his fight is much bigger than boxing. And all our thoughts and prayers with him and his family, with all Ukrainians. What they go through is much more important than any boxing match," said DiBella.
Kambosos has already reacted to Lomachenko's decision and supported the Ukrainian on Twitter. The Australian has expressed readiness to fight Vasiliy after defeating American Devin Ganey.
"I respect your decision and fully understand it. I pray for you and your country. Please stay safe. As soon as I wipe the floor with Devin Gaine, we will have this fight between two real champions," Cambosos wrote.
