The unbeaten Ukrainian relinquishes his world championships but says he is not retiring yet, leaving a new generation to battle for heavyweight gold
Oleksandr Usyk has shaken up the heavyweight division by announcing that he is vacating all three of his world championship belts.
The unified champion revealed the decision in a video posted to Instagram, saying he wants the next generation of heavyweights to have the opportunity to fight for the titles he has held. Despite surrendering the belts, Usyk stressed that he is not retiring just yet.
Making Way for the Next Generation
Usyk said the time has come for new contenders to compete for heavyweight gold.
“I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold. I want to make them available so the guys that are next in line can fight for them,” Usyk said on Instagram.
His decision immediately reshapes the heavyweight landscape, with several leading contenders now expected to compete for the vacant championships.
One Final Performance
Although he is giving up his titles, Usyk confirmed he still plans to fight once more before ending his career.
“Friends, I’m leaving the belts but the sport because I still have my last dance. I want to thank everybody. Great respect. All organizations, I want to thank. Glory to Ukraine,” said Usyk.
Although Usyk is giving up his titles, he made it clear that his career is not over. The 39-year-old plans to have one final fight before retiring, but he has not revealed his opponent.
A trilogy bout with Tyson Fury has long been discussed as one option. A rematch with Rico Verhoeven could also come into consideration after their dramatic heavyweight title fight in May, which ended with a controversial late stoppage.
Це свідоме рішення, яке, я впевнений, відкриє для мене нові можливості. Це не кінець історії. Продовження попереду.
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This is a well-considered decision that I am confident will open new opportunities for me. This is not the end of the story. The continuation lies ahead. pic.twitter.com/tPRRWMsmbh
— Oleksandr Usyk (@usykaa) June 26, 2026