Ukrainian great Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he will vacate his world heavyweight titles in a decision that looks to send shockwaves through the sport.
The unbeaten 39-year-old became the undisputed heavyweight champion for a second time when he dismantled Britain’s Daniel Dubois in the fifth round of their historic rematch at Wembley Stadium last July.
Usyk later vacated his WBO title to make way for Fabio Wardley, who was elevated to full world champion from interim status back in November, although he lost the crown in his first title defence against Daniel Dubois on May 9.
The Ukrainian superstar made his much-anticipated return to the ring last month when he controversially stopped kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in the penultimate round of their clash in Egypt.
In a video released on his social media, Usyk revealed that he intends to vacate the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles but claims that he will have ‘one last dance’ before officially announcing his retirement from boxing.
“Friends, good afternoon everyone. Today is Friday, the weather is beautiful and it’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold. I want to make them available so the guys who are next in line can fight for them. Friends, I’m leaving the belts but I’m not leaving the sport, because I still have my last dance. I want to thank everyone, I have great respect for all organisations. I want to thank everyone, there’s more to come.”
Reports have suggested that Usyk could face Verhoeven in a rematch next after their thrilling encounter was controversially stopped, a decision that sparked outrage from fans who believed the kickboxing great was on the verge of pulling off a huge upset.
