Oleksandr Usyk vacates world titles as he prepares for ‘last dance’

Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he is vacating his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles.

The former undisputed champion confirmed he will not be retiring from the sport yet, but he has opted to give away his belts.

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He also revealed that he will be fighting one last time before hanging up his gloves, with his opponent yet to be confirmed.

“Friends, good afternoon everyone,” Usyk began in a video posted on social media on Friday afternoon.

“Today is Friday, the weather is beautiful. It’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold.

“I want to make them available, so that the guys who are next in the line can fight for them.”

He added: “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 organisations.

“I want to thank everyone and say there’s more to come! Glory to God for everything! Glory to Ukraine!

In the caption of his social media post, Usyk wrote: “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.”

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