Usyk Relinquishes Three World Titles But Continues Boxing Career

Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has vacated three of his world title belts, though he has made clear he is not retiring from the sport. The decision came approximately one month after Usyk came close to defeat in a bout against Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, a crossover contest that raised questions about the champion's form. Usyk had held the WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles simultaneously, making him one of the most dominant figures in the heavyweight division. Relinquishing the belts will trigger new title fights among the division's top contenders, reshaping the heavyweight landscape.