Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his WBC, IBF, and WBA heavyweight world titles, stating his desire to avoid holding up the division for younger contenders. The 39-year-old Ukrainian confirmed he plans to have one final fight before retiring from the sport.
The decision follows his 11th-round stoppage victory over former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in May. While Usyk won, the performance was more difficult than many expected and prompted questions about his future. He has now clarified his intentions, pivoting from a previously stated three-fight plan to a single farewell bout, with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder the expected opponent. Usyk explained that after achieving undisputed status multiple times, his focus has shifted away from defending belts against a queue of mandatory challengers.
Speaking directly about his choice, Usyk affirmed his accomplishments and reasoning. “I continue training; I continue building my plan for my career. I [vacated] my belts because … listen, I’m a three-time undisputed champion.” This statement underlines his view that he has nothing left to prove as a titleholder and that his legacy is secure. He is now concentrating on a definitive final contest on his own terms.
He further elaborated on his desire to clear a path for the next generation of heavyweights. “Now we have new, young guys who stayed in queue and waited for belts. Take all my belts. I have last dance.”
Usyk’s decision has immediately reshaped the heavyweight division. Agit Kabayel and Murat Gassiev are now recognised as the full WBC and WBA champions, respectively. The IBF title remains vacant, with mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez ordered to face the winner of the August 29 bout between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. For Usyk, the focus is now entirely on a legacy fight against Wilder, bringing a close to a decorated career.
