A new world champion has already been crowned after Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish his belts.
Usyk opted to vacate his WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight world titles on Friday.
The Ukrainian great though did confirm that he will have one more fight to conclude his decorated career.
“Attention,” the 39-year-old posted on X.
“Important update.
“I am vacating my unified WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight world titles ahead of stepping into the ring for my final fight.”
Usyk was ordered to face WBC interim titlist, Agit Kabayel and the German has now been upgraded to full champion, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed in a post on X on Saturday.
“I just finished an incredibly sensitive Zoom video call with Agit Kabayel, George Warren, Spencer Brown and some WBC board members in have confirmed that Agit is the WBC Heavyweight champion of the world as per the WBC board of governors voting.
“Congratulations champ! @WBCBoxing @Queensberry.”
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The German faced off with Usyk in the ring after his controversial 11th round stoppage over Rico Verhoeven last month.
The 33-year-old becomes the first German heavyweight world champion since Max Schmeling achieved the feat in 1930.
“Unbelievable. As of today, I am the WBC Heavyweight World Champion,” the he posted on Instagram.
“The first Kurdish heavyweight world champion in history and the first German heavyweight world champion in almost 100 years.
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“Words can’t describe what I am feeling right now.
“Thank you to every single one of you for your support throughout this journey.
“This achievement belongs to all of us.
“I will do everything I can to hold this belt for a long time and add even more titles to my collection.”
Former WBC heavyweight world champion, Tyson Fury is the number one contender to Kabayel’s belt.
However, a showdown between the pair appears unlikely with Fury signed to fight long-time rival Anthony Joshua.
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