Published：Jun 26, 16:36Last updated：Jun 27, 19:01

Usyk Vacates Titles, Kabayel Becomes Champion

Jun. 26, 2026 16:36

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk announced he is vacating his championship belts. Usyk, who recently defended his titles against Rico Verhoeven, stated he wanted other fighters to compete for the belts. The WBC had ordered him to defend his title against Agit Kabayel.

Summarized

8News

7Media

Jun. 27, 2026 18:52

After Oleksandr Usyk's withdrawal, the WBC boxing association declared Agit Kabayel as the heavyweight world champion. The boxer from Bochum inherits the legacy of Max Schmeling, who was the last German champion in this weight class in 1932. This announcement was made on June 27, 2026.

Jun. 27, 2026 19:01

Oleksandr Ussyk vacates his titles, and Agit Kabayel from Bochum inherits the WBC belt, becoming Germany's first heavyweight champion since 1932. Published on June 27, 2026.

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has announced he will vacate his WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, clearing the path for new contenders in the division. The undefeated boxer, who made the decision on June 26, 2026, emphasized this was a "well-considered" move to allow emerging talent to compete for the belts while hinting at future fights. His departure immediately reshaped the boxing landscape, with Germany's Agit Kabayel being declared WBC champion. RIA Novosti+2

🥊 Usyk's Historic Decision

The 39-year-old two-time unified champion stated his intention to have "one last dance" in boxing while relinquishing all belts simultaneously. Usyk, who recently defended his titles against Rico Verhoeven, becomes the first undisputed heavyweight champion to voluntarily vacate all titles without retiring. His Instagram announcement described the move as creating opportunities for fighters like Tony Yoka and Murat Gassiev. Radio France Internationale+1

🇩🇪 Kabayel's Championship Ascension

Germany's Agit Kabayel was named WBC heavyweight champion on June 27, 2026, following Usyk's withdrawal. The Bochum-based boxer inherits the legacy of Max Schmeling, becoming Germany's first heavyweight titleholder since 1932. This marks Kabayel's first world championship without requiring a title fight. Der Spiegel+1

🔮 Future of Heavyweight Division

With Usyk's departure, the division faces immediate reshuffling. The WBC had previously ordered Usyk to defend against Kabayel, while other organizations must now schedule title bouts. Potential contenders include France's Tony Yoka and Russia's Murat Gassiev, though no official matchups have been confirmed. RIA Novosti+1

🏆 Usyk's Unfinished Business

Despite vacating titles, Usyk insists he isn't retiring, leaving open the possibility for a final bout. The Ukrainian remains undefeated across his professional career, having dominated the heavyweight division in recent years. His next move remains undisclosed, though he described it as his "last dance" in the sport. BBC News+1

WBCTony YokaAgit KabayelMurat GassievOleksandr Usyk