Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk vacating heavyweight titles before ‘last dance’ inside the ring: “This is not the end of the story”

Boxing’s top heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has made the decision to vacate his gold.

The 39-year-old is close to retirement, but his journey is not over just yet. Still, Usyk announced on his X page that he will be relinquishing the WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles. He believes his decision will allow the division to move forward.

“It’s a good time to say that I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold,” Usyk said. “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 organizations. I want to thank everyone and say there’s more to come. Glory to God for everything. Glory to Ukraine.”

Usyk also left a message hinting about the reasoning behind his decision. It appears Usyk may be looking to take at least one more fight that doesn’t involve a mandatory contender.

“This is a well-considered decision that I am confident will open new opportunities for me,” Usyk wrote. “This is not the end of the story. The continuation lies ahead.”

Some boxing pundits have questioned just how much Usyk has left in the tank after he barely got past kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven in their May clash. Usyk appeared to be flustered by Verhoeven’s fighting style before the controversial finish in the 11th round.

What fight are you expecting Oleksandr Usyk to take now that he isn’t bound to a mandatory contender following his decision to vacate his heavyweight titles? Do you think a rematch with Rico Verhoeven is possible, or will Usyk go in a different direction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.