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Oleksandr Usyk relinquishes undisputed heavyweight boxing title
Oleksandr Usyk announced he will give up his heavyweight belts at age 39. He remains active in the sport but said the division's top position now belongs to someone else.
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Oleksandr Usyk stated he will vacate his undisputed heavyweight championship belts while continuing to compete. The 39-year-old boxer cited a desire to step aside after holding the title. Usyk compiled a record of 25 wins, including 16 knockouts, across both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. He became the undisputed heavyweight champion in May 2024.
Background on his career The boxer said his achievements provided morale support to Ukrainians following Russia's 2022 invasion. He noted inspiration from both historical and current Ukrainian defenders. Usyk had previously been advised against military service in 2022.
He indicated last year that his focus remained on boxing while acknowledging those serving in Ukraine's armed forces. The decision leaves the undisputed heavyweight title open without naming a successor.
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CorroborationModerate · 4 sources
