Oleksandr Usyk has announced he is vacating his WBA super, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles but will not retire from boxing. The 39 year old undefeated fighter shared his decision on Friday, stating he wants to open up the division for other contenders while he prepares for a final bout.
Usyk posted his initial statement on X.
"This is a well-considered decision that I am confident will open new opportunities for me," Usyk wrote. "This is not the end of the story. The continuation lies ahead."
The Ukrainian later provided more details in a video message on Instagram.
"Good afternoon friends, good afternoon everyone! It's Friday, the weather is beautiful, a good time to say I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold," Usyk said. "I want to make them available so the guys who are next in line can fight for them. Friends, I'm leaving the belts but not leaving the sport because I still have the last dance."
"I want to thank everyone, I have great respect for all organisations and want to say there's more to come! Glory to God for everything, glory to Ukraine!"
Recent bout and title challengers
Usyk last fought in May, securing a controversial 11th round stoppage victory over decorated kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. At the time the referee intervened, the Dutchman was on course for a stunning upset, ahead on the cards 95-95, 95-95 and 96-94.
Before that match, Usyk had stated his intention to fight two more times before hanging up his gloves. A rematch with Verhoeven remains one possibility.
"I wanted the referee to let me go out on my shield or let me go in the 12th. I felt we were pretty even on the scorecards," Verhoeven said.
With the titles now vacant, WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel is less likely to face Usyk as a mandatory challenger. Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois currently holds the WBO belt after defeating Fabio Wardley.
