Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed his hugely successful career is coming to and end after posting a video message of his decision to vacate all his world titles
World boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has dropped a major bombshell by declaring he will vacate all his titles.
The Ukrainian boxer, who is a two-time undisputed world champion, sparked fears of retirement with the message but he has stated he still has one “last dance”.
Usyk posted a video message to fans on social media about vacating his belts. He then decided to clarify his comments by posting a message saying he is prepping for one last fight.
The latest post said: “Attention. Important update. I am vacating my unified WBA, IBF and WBC heavyweight world titles ahead of stepping into the ring for my final fight.”
In the video message, Usyk said his decision to vacate was not done to say he was retiring from the sport immediately, but to allow the next in line to fight over the titles.
He also said that him dropping the belts would allow for new opportunities for his final fight, now avoiding having to face mandatory challengers in his final bout.
Usyk said: “I want to vacate all the belts that I currently hold to make them available for the guys next in line to fight for them. Friends, I’m leaving the belts but not the sport because I still have my last dance.”
He also added written with the video: “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.”
Usyk’s decision comes just weeks after a tough battle with Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, which finished late in the 11th round.
The close fight sparked controversy with some believing that kickboxer Verhoeven may have one the fight before the stoppage.
Some reports have hinted Usyk may have dropped the belts to hold a rematch with Verhoeven instead of his WBC mandatory challenger.
It was expected that the next in line would have been WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel, who is currently unbeaten in the sport.
Daniel Dubois currently holds the other world title, the WBO belt, after defeating Fabio Wardley earlier this year.