Usyk Vacates 3 Heavyweight Belts at 39 as Ukrainian Says Final Fights Still Ahead
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 26
Usyk Vacates 3 Heavyweight Belts at 39 as Ukrainian Says Final Fights Still Ahead
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 26
Summary
Oleksandr Usyk said Friday he is surrendering his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles while staying active, calling the move a way to create opportunities for contenders before his "last dance."
The 39-year-old appears to be stepping away from mandatory defenses and sanctioning-body pressure after the WBC ordered him to face Agit Kabayel next.
Kabayel could now be elevated at the WBC, while Frank Sanchez leads the IBF rankings and Murat Gassiev holds the WBA regular belt, leaving multiple title paths suddenly open.
Usyk remains unbeaten at 25-0 and had said before his May win over Rico Verhoeven in Egypt that he wanted two more fights; a rematch with Verhoeven is now a possible option.
The decision reshapes a division Usyk had dominated since moving up in 2019, with Daniel Dubois already holding the WBO belt after beating Fabio Wardley earlier this year.