In August 2021, it was reported that Lomachenko was in talks to fight former world champion Richard Commey (30-3, 27 KOs) later in the year.[2] On 13 October, in an attempt to put his name back into contention for a shot at his old titles, Lomachenko agreed to fight Commey on 11 December at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Commey returned to the ring after a 14-month lay off in February 2021 to defeat Jackson Mariñez via knockout. It was his first outing since losing the IBF title to Teofimo López.[3][4] The fight was announced on 31 October and regarded as a top level non-title lightweight bout. A fight between Lomachenko and Commey was originally planned in 2019, with all aspects being agreed, only for Commey to pull out due to a hand injury.[5][6]
Commey also bounced back from his defeat to López, knocking out Jackson Maríñez in round six in February 2021.[11]
The bout was aired live on ESPN in the US, and on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. There was mutual respect shown at the weigh in as Lomachenko weighed 134.4 pounds and Commey weighed 134.2 pounds.[12]
The fight
There was 8,555 fans in attendance. On fight night, where Lomachenko was listed as a 10-1 favorite, he dropped Commey in the seventh round courtesy of a short left hook, later pleading with the corner of the still unsteady Commey to stop the fight. They refused, and Commey survived and went the full 12 rounds. The judges scored it 119–108, 119–108, and 117–110, all for Lomachenko, who dominated the fight.[13]
During the post-fight, Lomachenko was asked why he pleaded with Commey's corner to stop the fight. He replied, "I saw his situation, it was very hard for him. That's why I said, 'Hey, stop the fight.' He is a true warrior. He has a big heart and we continue and we show for people 12 great rounds."[14][15][16] Commey's trainer Andre Rozier explained why he did not stop the fight. He said, "Richard is a warrior and Vasiliy is a great champion. When he signalled to stop it, for me to take his [Commey] pride and his energy and his diligence away, it would have been a horrible thing to do. I told Richard to get up and let's get it together. Try not to make any mistakes and keep working. As you see, he did go the entire 12 rounds of this fight and he fought his heart out."[17] When asked about fighting newly crowned unified lightweight champion, George Kambosos Jr., who had upset Teofimo López a few weeks previously, Lomachenko jumped at the idea, stating that he 'needs this chance' and would be willing to fly to Australia if necessary.[18] The fight averaged 1,129,000 viewers and peaked 1,243,000 viewers on ESPN.[19]
Aftermath
After the bout when asked about fighting newly crowned unified lightweight champion, George Kambosos Jr., who had upsetTeofimo Lopez a few weeks previously, Lomachenko jumped at the idea, stating that he 'needs this chance' and would be willing to fly to Australia if necessary.[20] However, on 24 February 2022 Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine and Lomachenko returned to his home country to aid in the war effort. On 20 March, Lomachenko was given permission to leave Ukraine in order to face George Kambosos Jr. in Australia. However, he declined, opting to stay and fight for his country.[21] Kambosos Jr. instead lost his titles to WBC champion Devin Haney, who thereby became the undisputed lightweight champion.[22]
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