Heavyweight champion Usyk says vacating heavyweight world title belts

Usyk, who had held the WBA, WBC and IBF belts, has been the world undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion.Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk says he was vacating his three boxing world title belts but is not retiring.The 39-year-old Ukrainian, who is unbeaten in his professional career, said on Friday that he wanted “to make them free so that the guys who are in line for them can box”.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Usyk set to face Parker in heavyweight title fight on WBO orderslist 2 of 4Joseph Parker facing ban after failing drug test on day of Wardley fightlist 3 of 4‘Best fight’: Dubois stops Wardley to win WBO heavyweight boxing titlelist 4 of 4‘No tomorrow’: Fury says Joshua car crash motivated his boxing returnend of listUsyk’s announcement came just a month after he came close to a shock upset defeat to kickboxer Rico Verhoeven.Usyk needed a highly controversial 11th-round stoppage to turn the tables on the Dutchman, who had been leading on the scorecards up to that point despite taking part in only his second boxing bout.“Good day to everyone. Today is Friday, the weather is good, and it’s a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts that I currently hold – to make them free so that the guys who are in line for them can box,” said Usyk in a social media post.“My friends, I’m giving up the belts, but I’m not leaving the sport, because I still have my last dance.“I want to thank everyone; I respect all organisations. I want to thank everyone and say there is more to come.”Usyk, who had held the WBA, WBC and IBF belts, has been undisputed world champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight and boasts an unblemished record of 25 victories, including 16 knockouts, in as many fights.He is known for his excellent footwork and ring craft, as well as his ability to punch from unorthodox angles.Iconic victoriesBut he looked a shadow of his former self in a laboured and uninspired performance against Verhoeven, whose jerky style and bulldozing aggression had unsettled the Ukrainian.