(KYIV) – Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has decided to give up all his boxing belts.
The Ukrainian boxer confirmed the move on social media on Friday. He holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles. Usyk said he wants to free the belts so other fighters waiting in line can compete for them.
He insisted the decision does not mean he is retiring from the sport. Usyk said he still plans to have what he called a “last dance”. He described the choice as a conscious one that opens new opportunities. “This is not the end of the story,” he said. “The continuation lies ahead.”
Usyk last fought on 24 May in Egypt, where he stopped Dutch fighter Rico Verhoeven in the eleventh round.
The WBC had previously stated Usyk must defend his title against interim champion Agit Kabayel or risk losing the belt. Kabayel has repeatedly called for a fight with Usyk on social media.