Oleksandr Usyk has made a major decision regarding his unified heavyweight world titles.
Usyk is a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, but he was left with the WBC, WBA and IBF belts after vacating his WBO title late last year.
The Ukrainian was last in action in May when he was involved in a surprisingly competitive affair with kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, but with a queue of mandatory challengers now building, Usyk had to act quick to decide his next move.
He has now finally revealed what he plans to do, posting on social media to make the huge announcement that he will be vacating all of his titles.
“Today is Friday, the weather is beautiful and It’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold. I want to make them available to the guys next in line who can fight for them.”
Despite vacating his titles, Usyk confirmed he isn’t retiring and will still fight again.
“I’m leaving the belts but I’m not leaving the sport because I still have a last dance. I have great respect for the organisations and I want to thank them. There’s more to come.”
It should now lead to Agit Kabayel being elevated from WBC interim champion to full champion, while WBA Regular champion Murat Gassiev may receive the same treatment.
In the IBF rankings, Frank Sanchez is placed at number one, while Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic are ranked at 3 and 4 respectively ahead of their clash in August, so could also benefit from Usyk’s decision.
As for the Ukrainian, with no governing bodies to answer to, it could pave the way for a rematch with Verhoeven after their meeting last month.
