Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk said on social media that he intends to give up all of the championship belts he currently holds in the heavyweight division.
“Today is good weather and a good day to say that I want to free up all the belts I currently hold. I want to make them vacant so that the guys who are in line can fight for them,” the 39-year-old boxer said.
At the same time, Usyk stressed that he is not retiring from the sport. According to him, he still has one “last dance” ahead.
Usyk currently holds the heavyweight titles recognized by IBF, WBA, and WBC. He published the announcement after another successful title defense.
So far, Usyk has won all 25 of his professional bouts. His most recent fight took place on May 23, when he defeated Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven by technical knockout in the 11th round and retained the WBC title.
The move therefore does not mean he is leaving boxing, but rather that he wants to vacate the championship positions so other fighters can compete for the belts.