Usyk vacates heavyweight belts, vows 'continuation lies ahead'

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his heavyweight world titles, telling BBC Sport the move will open new opportunities. The former unified champion left the division's top berth empty less than three months after his rematch win.

“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.”

— Oleksandr Usyk, via BBC Sport

What Oleksandr Usyk said

Usyk held multiple heavyweight belts after consecutive wins over Tyson Fury in 2024. The Ukrainian had unified the division before stepping away. His departure leaves the heavyweight picture without a single recognised champion and triggers mandatory processes across the sanctioning bodies. Usyk campaigned at cruiserweight before moving up in 2019.

What it moves

The vacated belts will likely be contested in eliminator bouts or elevated mandatory challengers. Usyk's statement suggests a return at a different weight or under fresh terms. His next move remains unannounced, but the wording points to a planned comeback rather than retirement.

Source: bbc.co.uk. Full Oleksandr Usyk fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.