Vasiliy Lomachenko was a signature away from a super-fight.

The 36-year-old three-division champion recently picked up the IBF Lightweight World Title by beating George Kambosos Jr and, following Gervonta Davis‘ successful defence of his WBA belt against Frank Martin, entered into initial talks with the American’s team.

Things were looking positive for the unification until Loma’s manager, Egis Klimas, revealed his man ‘wasn’t motivated’ to return to the ring for the rest of the year. Negotiations were later confirmed as off.

In the fallout, ‘Tank’s co-trainer Kenny Ellis said that if the Ukrainian wasn’t motivated to fight them then he should hang up the gloves. Hall of Fame fighter turned analyst Tim Bradley also claimed fans may never see him fight again, and many on social media believe that if the drive for a fight of such magnitude isn’t there that the star may already have one foot out the door.

Lomachenko, via promoter Bob Arum, feels otherwise. The 92-year-old Top Rank head honcho told Boxing Scene as much.

Arum then said the reasons behind his decision to take the rest of 2024 were ‘personal and confidential’ but did add that they were ‘legitimate stuff to do with Ukraine and his family.’

Lomachenko was one of many combat athletes to join the armed forces in defending Ukraine. He refused a fight with Kambosos at the time to stay in his country.

It’s unclear if Lomachenko’s team have contacted the IBF about his situation, or how early he plans to return in 2025. Arum says the ‘Tank’ bout may be back on the table then, but for now the undefeated knockout artist is instead expected to target another unification with Shakur Stevenson.