Oleksandr Usyk has stunned the boxing world by surrendering every heavyweight title under his control.
However, the unbeaten Ukrainian insists his remarkable journey inside the ring is far from complete. Instead, the decision indicates a fresh chapter before what he describes as his final appearance.
The 39-year-old leaves behind the WBA ‘super’, WBC and IBF championships after dominating boxing’s biggest division. His professional record remains flawless with 25 victories, reinforcing his place among the sport’s modern greats.
Announcing the move on social media, Usyk explained the decision was carefully considered rather than emotional.
“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,” Usyk wrote on X.
Only weeks earlier, Usyk overcame Rico Verhoeven in Egypt after enduring one of the toughest nights of his career. Although the kickboxing icon entered the contest with limited boxing experience, he stretched the champion before eventually falling in the 11th round.
The performance also confirmed Usyk’s earlier promise to remain active before eventually stepping away from professional boxing.
Heavyweight division faces new era as Usyk steps aside
His farewell to the belts immediately transforms the heavyweight landscape. Several leading contenders can now dream of finally capturing world championship glory.
Explaining his reasoning further, Usyk said, “I want to vacate all the belts that I currently hold to make them available for the guys next in line to fight for them.”
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He added, “Friends, I’m leaving the belts but not the sport because I still have my last dance.”
The WBC had already instructed Usyk to defend against unbeaten German contender Agit Kabayel. As a result, Kabayel now appears perfectly positioned to inherit championship status if sanctioning officials approve the change.
Attention could also return to Rico Verhoeven following their competitive encounter. A second meeting now appears much easier to arrange without mandatory title obligations.
Usyk’s heavyweight achievements remain extraordinary regardless of what follows. After conquering cruiserweight, he defeated Anthony Joshua twice before repeating that feat against Tyson Fury.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Daniel Dubois currently owns the WBO title after defeating Fabio Wardley earlier this year. Other contenders, including Frank Sanchez, Murat Gassiev and Moses Itauma, suddenly find realistic routes toward world honours.
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By giving up his championships, Usyk has escaped boxing’s demanding mandatory schedule. Now, the legendary Ukrainian controls how his celebrated career reaches its unforgettable conclusion.
