Usyk Vacates Titles, Shakes Up Heavyweight Division
Heavyweight boxing enters a new chapter after Oleksandr Usyk stepped down as unified champion, vacating his WBA, IBF, and WBC world titles. The unbeaten Ukrainian announced his decision ahead of what he called his "final fight," without naming an opponent, saying he wants to make the belts available for the next generation of fighters.
Agit Kabayel Becomes WBC Champion Without a Fight
Germany's Agit Kabayel was recognized as the new WBC champion last weekend, even without stepping into the ring. The 33-year-old, born in Leverkusen to Kurdish parents, had been interim WBC champ since February 2025 after knocking out Zhilei Zhang. With 27 straight wins and a 15-year undefeated pro career, Kabayel is the first German heavyweight champion since Max Schmeling in 1932. He declared he will "fight with everyone."
Murat Gassiev Likely Elevated to WBA Champion
The WBA has not yet commented on Usyk's vacancy. If it follows the WBC's lead, Russian Murat Gassiev, currently the 'regular' champion, could be upgraded. The 32-year-old, whom Usyk beat in 2018 to unify the cruiserweight division, moved to heavyweight in 2020. Gassiev has won seven of eight heavyweight fights, losing only to Otto Wallin. His biggest heavyweight win was a knockout of Kubrat Pulev in December. He faces Tony Yoka on July 11 in Moscow.
IBF Orders Negotiations Between Itauma and Sanchez
The IBF ordered its No. 1 contender, Frank Sanchez of Cuba, to negotiate with Britain's Moses Itauma for a title fight, with a July 29 deadline. Itauma, a 21-year-old southpaw, is slated to fight Filip Hrgovic on Aug. 29 after impressing with a knockout of Jermaine Franklin Jr. in March. Sanchez, 33, has won 26 of 28 pro fights and last fought in February 2025, knocking out Richard Torrez Jr.
Usyk: 'This Is Not the End of the Story'
Usyk, who has not lost any of his 25 professional fights across cruiserweight and heavyweight, recently defeated Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven. His camp ruled out a third fight with Tyson Fury, with Sergey Lapin, CEO of Usyk's promotional company, telling Sky Sports: "I don't really see much point in it. Oleksandr has already beaten Tyson Fury twice." Usyk said, "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."
Fury and Joshua Eye Potential Showdown
Tyson Fury, after losing twice to Usyk in 2024, has begun another comeback, beating Arslanbek Makhmudov in April and set to face Mariusz Wach on July 24. The 37-year-old Briton says this marks "the start of a huge second half of the year." Anthony Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, is also on the comeback trail after a car crash in Nigeria in December that killed two friends. The 36-year-old will fight Kristian Prenga on July 25, both bouts seen as tune-ups for a potential all-British non-title fight between Fury and Joshua.
