Oleksandr Usyk just shook up the boxing world by announcing that he is vacating all three of his heavyweight championship belts.
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The unified champion took to Instagram to share the news, explaining that he wants to give the next wave of contenders their shot at gold. Despite giving up his hardware, Usyk made it clear that his time in the ring is not over.
Make way for the next generation
Usyk has expressed a desire to see the division move forward, stating that he wants other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the status he has achieved.
“I want to vacate all the belts that I currently hold. I want to make them available so that the guys who are next in line can fight for them,” Usyk said. Instagram.
His decision immediately creates a massive scramble at the top of the heavyweight division, opening the door for several top contenders to compete for the newly vacated championships.
One final performance
While the belts are being left behind, Usyk confirmed he is not retiring from boxing. He has teased one final massive event on his horizon, strongly implying the completion of his historic trilogy against Tyson Fury.
“Friends, I leave the belts, but the sport, because I still have my last dance. I want to thank everyone. Great respect. All organizations, I want to thank. Glory to Ukraine,” Usyk said.
By stepping away from the sanctioning body requirements, Usyk frees himself from mandatory defense, allowing him to focus entirely on that final massive fight without the administrative complications of holding multiple titles.
It’s a conscious decision, which I’m sure will open up new opportunities for me. This is not the end of the story. Continuation forward.
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It is a well thought out decision that I am confident will open up new opportunities for me. This is not the end of the story. The continuation lies ahead. pic.twitter.com/tPRRWMsmbh
— Oleksandr Usyk (@usikaa) June 26, 2026
Last updated on 06/26/2026 at 12:50 PM
