Usyk Vacates All Championship Belts for One Final Bout

Oleksandr Usyk's Decision to Relinquish His Titles

According to Главком: Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk has announced he is vacating his WBC, WBA, IBO, IBF, and The Ring championship belts, though he insists this does not mean retirement. The boxer plans to fight one last time, a bout he describes as his 'last dance.' In a public statement, Usyk explained:

It's a good day to announce that I want to give up all the belts I currently hold. I'm setting them free so the fighters waiting in line can compete for them. Friends, I'm leaving the belts behind, but I'm not leaving the sport-because I have one last dance. I want to thank everyone, and I have great respect for all the organizations. I thank you all and say: More to come. Glory to God for everything. Glory to Ukraine!

Usyk moved up to the heavyweight division in 2019 and claimed his first title in that weight class in 2020. In May 2024, he defeated Britain's Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. During the summer of 2025, Usyk knocked out British fighter Daniel Dubois, once again securing his status as the division's undisputed champion.

Support from Peers and New Challenges Ahead

Notably, Usyk showed support for Daniel Lapin after Lapin suffered his first professional loss, a fourth-round knockout at the hands of France's Benjamin Mendes Tapia. Meanwhile, Tyson Fury has called for a third fight with Usyk, and Usyk has confirmed he is ready for that matchup.

The titles Usyk has vacated:

• WBC
• WBA
• IBO
• IBF
• The Ring

By stepping away from his championship belts, Usyk is creating opportunities for other heavyweights to compete for top honors, which could breathe new life into the division. His final fight promises to be a landmark event not only for him personally but also for Ukrainian boxing at large, given his stature and strong fan following. It also opens the door for emerging fighters to step into the professional spotlight and vie for the titles Usyk once held.

In the wake of Usyk's announcement, the heavyweight division is poised for significant changes, reminiscent of his previous remarkable bouts. For instance, his recent victory over Verhoeven showcased not only his skill but also his dedication to the sport. To discover more about that intense match and its implications for Usyk's career, check out how he knocked out Verhoeven in the eleventh round and his subsequent visit to the Pentagon here.