Two-time undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has today confirmed he is set to vacate his heavyweight world titles.
After moving up to heavyweight in 2019, Usyk has dominated the division and beaten some of the sport’s biggest names.
‘The Cat’ took to social media to break the news today via X.
“Hello friends, good afternoon everyone.
“Today is Friday, the weather is beautiful. It is a good day to say that I want to vacate all of the belts I currently hold.
Це свідоме рішення, яке, я впевнений, відкриє для мене нові можливості. Це не кінець історії. Продовження попереду.
____
This is a well-considered decision that I am confident will open new opportunities for me. This is not the end of the story. The continuation lies ahead. pic.twitter.com/tPRRWMsmbh
— Oleksandr Usyk (@usykaa) June 26, 2026
“I want to make them available so the guys who are next in line can fight for them.
“I want to thank everyone. I have great respect for all the organisations. I want to thank everyone and say there’s more to come.”
Usyk currently holds the IBF, WBA and WBC world titles, alongside the illustrious Ring Magazine belt.
He previously vacated the WBO title, with Fabio Wardley being elevated before being dethroned by Daniel Dubois last month.
Despite vacating his belts, Usyk teased one more fight in his legendary career.
“Friends, I am leaving the belts, but I am not leaving the sport because I still have my last dance.”
He was last in action at the end of May, headlining at the Pyramids of Giza against kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven.
Usyk was expected to dominate Verhoeven in similar fashion to many of his previous opponents, but he encountered difficulties over 11 rounds.
He was behind on one of the judges’ scorecards before scoring a crucial stoppage in the 11th round.
As for what will happen with Usyk’s vacant titles, that remains unknown. On July 11, Murat Gassiev is set to defend his regular WBA world title in Moscow, so that fight may well be elevated for the full world title.
Agit Kabayel will likely be elevated to full WBC champion, given he is the current interim world champion.
The German took to social media to react to the news.
“Nothing but respect for this incredible career.”
As for the IBF title, Frank Sanchez is currently ranked number one with the governing body.
There is also the possibility that Moses Itauma’s headline fight against Filip Hrgovic at The O2 could be for the vacant belt.
British icons Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are currently ranked fifth and seventh respectively with the IBF as they prepare to clash later this year.
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