Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his WBC, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles but insists he is not retiring from boxing.
The 39-year-old Ukrainian, who remains unbeaten as a professional, said he was relinquishing the belts to allow other contenders to fight for them while confirming he still has “one last dance” left in the sport.
Read Also: Heavyweight champion Usyk hints at retirement from boxing
Usyk’s announcement came just a month after he survived a major scare against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, needing a controversial 11th-round stoppage to retain his undisputed heavyweight crown.
Verhoeven had been leading on the judges’ scorecards despite competing in only his second professional boxing contest before the referee halted the fight.
“Good day to everyone. Today is Friday, the weather is good, and it’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts that I currently hold, to make them free so that the guys who are in line for them can box,” Usyk said in a video posted on social media.
“My friends, I’m giving up the belts, but I’m not leaving the sport because I still have my last dance.
“I want to thank everyone. I respect all the organisations. I want to thank everyone and say there is more to come.”
Usyk leaves behind one of the most remarkable legacies in modern boxing. He became the undisputed world champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight and boasts a perfect professional record of 25 wins, including 16 knockouts.
Before turning professional, Usyk also enjoyed an outstanding amateur career, winning Olympic, world and European titles.
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