Ukrainian boxer Usyk vacates all world title belts but rules out retirement

Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk announced on Friday that he will vacate all his world title belts but will not retire from the sport. The 39-year-old, unbeaten in his professional career (25-0, 16 KOs), made the decision following his recent victory over Rico Verhoeven, a bout that had been widely anticipated as a potential unification clash in the cruiserweight division. Usyk’s announcement, confirmed across multiple outlets on 26 June 2026, marks a strategic shift rather than an end to his competitive career.

Usyk, who holds titles from the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), and International Boxing Federation (IBF), stated that he is relinquishing the belts to pursue new challenges. His decision comes just days after his latest triumph, which many had framed as a potential final act in a storied career. Yet Usyk was unequivocal: “I am not retiring,” he told reporters. “This is about the next chapter, not the end of the story.”

The move has immediate implications for the heavyweight division, where Usyk’s titles are now up for grabs. German contender Agit Kabayel, who has been in the conversation for a world title shot, stands to benefit from the vacancy. German media reported that Kabayel’s camp sees this as a “real chance” to secure a championship opportunity, though no official negotiations have been confirmed.

Ukrainian outlets echoed the sentiment of continuity. Pravda.ua reported that Usyk’s decision reflects a deliberate choice to step back from the weight class while remaining active in the sport. Ukrinform, the national news agency, similarly emphasised that the boxer is not leaving the ring but redefining his competitive focus.

Analysts suggest Usyk may be targeting a return to the lighter cruiserweight division, where he previously held the undisputed championship. His recent win over Verhoeven, a 2026 bout that drew global attention, was seen as a statement of intent in that weight class. The Dutch outlet NU.nl noted that Usyk’s decision to vacate titles immediately after victory underscores a calculated move rather than a reaction to defeat.

The BBC’s sports desk framed the announcement as a bold strategic play, one that could reshape the heavyweight landscape while keeping Usyk’s legacy intact. For now, the boxing world waits to see where Usyk’s next fight will take him—and which contender will step into the void he leaves behind in the heavyweight division.