Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk announced he will vacating the WBA ‘super’, WBC and IBF titles, but he is not retiring. The 39‑year‑old unbeaten champion, 25‑0‑0, made the decision after his 11th‑round stoppage of kick‑boxing convert Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. Usyk said on X that vacating the belts will create opportunities for the next‑in‑line contenders.

Usyk’s last fight left him battered but still eager for two more bouts before contemplating retirement. By stepping away from mandatory defenses, he frees himself from the sanctioning bodies’ rotation, notably the WBC’s order to face German interim champion Agit Kabayel, who many view as the division’s most deserving challenger. The move also opens the door for a possible Verhoeven rematch.

Vacating the titles shatters the heavyweight hierarchy that has revolved around Usyk for years. With the belts vacant, WBC interim champion Kabayel, IBF top contender Frank Sanchez and WBA ‘regular’ holder Murat Gassiev all eye world‑title shots, while Britain’s Daniel Dubois, now WBO champion, could seek unification. Usyk’s freedom to pick his next opponent removes political pressure and guarantees his final fights will be self‑selected.