Usyk vacates world heavyweight titles, promises new chapter

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his world heavyweight belts, describing the move as a calculated step toward fresh challenges. The unified champion made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming his exit from the division's top tier.

“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 became the undisputed heavyweight champion after beating Tyson Fury in May 2024, then defended three belts in a December rematch. The Ukrainian held the WBA, WBC, and WBO straps before relinquishing them. His decision leaves the heavyweight landscape without a unified titleholder for the first time since his coronation.

What it moves

Speaking to BBC Sport, Usyk framed the decision as strategic rather than final. "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," he said. The sanctioning bodies will now schedule mandatory fights to fill the vacant thrones.

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