Full Breakdown
Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Heavyweight Titles, Promises “Last Dance”
6/26/2026, 11:32:03 PM
Vacating the WBA, WBC, and IBF Heavyweight Titles
On 26 June 2026 the 39-year-old Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk announced via Instagram that he is relinquishing his WBA “super”, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts. He said the move “will make the belts available for guys next in line” and stressed he will keep fighting, calling his next bout his “last dance”.
Recent History and the Verhoeven Fight
Usyk moved to heavyweight in 2019. He captured the crown by beating Anthony Joshua in 2021 and has beaten Daniel Dubois twice. On 23 May 2026 in Cairo he stopped former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round after a close decision; two judges had the bout even at 95-95. He remains 25-0 with 16 knockouts.
Impact on the Division
Vacating belts creates four vacant slots. The WBC and WBA may elevate Agit Kabayel and Murat Gassiev. The IBF ranks Frank Sanchez, Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic. The WBO stays with Daniel Dubois, keeping the division open for unification.
Official Statements
Sporting director Sergey Lapin said the vacancy “was made with future of heavyweight division in mind” and that it “gives Anthony Joshua the opportunity to compete for and reunify them.” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman posted on X that move “is a disappointment” and wished Usyk success. Ring Magazine confirmed Usyk will retain its lineal heavyweight title.
Criticism & Opposition
Boxing analysts doubt Usyk’s next fight will showcase his abilities after a “lackluster” Verhoeven bout. Some fans say vacating the belts could undermine the championship structure; others view it as a needed reset for a division lacking clear challengers.
Conflicting Reports
Sources disagree on whether Usyk gave up the Ring Magazine title; most say he retains it, one reports a vacancy. The timeline of his 2025 WBO relinquishment versus the current vacancy of the three major belts adds chronological ambiguity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today is Friday, the weather is beautiful, and it’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold,” — Oleksandr Usyk, boxer
- “Friends, I'm leaving the belts but not the sport because I still have my last dance.” — Oleksandr Usyk, boxer
- “This is a well-considered decision that I am confident will open new opportunities for me.” — Oleksandr Usyk, boxer
- “What a disappointment is for me to learn from a social media video that our heavyweight champion is vacating his WBC title,” — Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC president
What’s Next
The WBC may elevate Agit Kabayel; the WBA could promote Murat Gassiev. Usyk hinted at a Verhoeven rematch, with Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder also mentioned. No date or venue for his “last dance” is set, but the move reshapes the heavyweight hierarchy.
