Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk is relinquishing his three remaining world championship belts, making a fight against German heavyweight prospect Agit Kabayel most likely out of the question.
«I am relinquishing my belts but not leaving the sport of boxing. There will be more to come,» the 39-year-old Usyk stated on Friday in an Instagram message.
The former undisputed champion held the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts. Usyk last successfully defended the WBC title in Giza against Rico Verhoeven. Following that fight, Kabayel entered the ring with the Ukrainian and reiterated his demand for a bout.
Usyk, as he had before, responded evasively, never showing significant enthusiasm for a fight against Kabayel. The WBC had recently ordered the fight between Usyk and Kabayel.
Agit Kabayel Could Be Declared World Champion Immediately
For Kabayel (33), who has won all 27 of his professional fights, two possibilities now arise. Either one or more sanctioning bodies will declare him the world champion directly as the top contender – he would be the first German heavyweight champion since Max Schmeling. Alternatively, the title will be considered vacant, and Kabayel will get a fight for the belt(s).
It also remains unclear what Usyk’s next steps will be. Recently, there have been reports of his connections to the organization ‘Zuffa Boxing,’ owned by UFC boss Dana White.