Photo: Getty Images
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he is vacating all of his world titles, while confirming that he is not retiring from professional boxing.
The Ukrainian champion shared the news in a video posted on his Instagram account.
"Today is a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts I hold and make them available so the fighters waiting for their chance can compete for them. My friends, I'm giving up the belts, but I'm not leaving the sport because I still have my last dance," Usyk said.
He also thanked the sanctioning bodies for their cooperation.
"I respect every organization. And I want to say: there's more to come. Glory to God for everything. Glory to Ukraine!"
The 39-year-old held the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles, as well as the IBO and The Ring championships.
Usyk's most recent bout came in May against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven, when he secured a hard-fought 11th-round technical knockout victory. The event took place near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
The win improved Usyk's professional record to 25 victories, including 16 by knockout, while he remains unbeaten.
During his career, Usyk has become the undisputed world champion three times — once at cruiserweight and twice in the heavyweight division.
Earlier, Usyk also shared a new photo with US President Donald Trump and commented on their recent meeting.