Usyk is relinquishing his IBF, WBA, and WBC world titles, making Agit Kabayel a potential world champion
IBF, WBA, and WBC heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he will relinquish his world titles.
Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) announced the news on his various social media channels:
“Today is Friday, the weather is beautiful, and it’s a good day to announce that I want to relinquish all the belts I currently hold. I want to make them available to the next challengers so they can compete for these titles.”
Despite his decision to relinquish his world championship titles, the Ukrainian did not announce his retirement from boxing. Instead, he confirmed that he will fight at least one more bout.
“I’m hanging up my belts, but I’m not leaving the sport, because I still have one last dance ahead of me,” Usyk added in the same post. “I have great respect for the organizations and would like to thank them. There’s more to come.”
The decision by the three-time undisputed champion is likely to result in Agit Kabayel being elevated from WBC interim world champion to full WBC heavyweight world champion.
Murat Gassiev could also benefit from Usyk’s move with the WBA. The Russian currently holds the WBA Regular title and will face Tony Yoka in Moscow on July 11. Cuban Frank Sanchez is currently ranked No. 1 in the IBF world rankings and is therefore the top contender for the vacant title.
Usyk’s last fight was a disappointing performance against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. Since his highly controversial late-round TKO victory over the Dutchman in May beneath the Pyramids of Giza, there have been reports of a rematch.