Usyk dumps belts, Kabayel’s shot at history arrives

Oleksandr Usyk has dropped his WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles, canceling the ordered bout against German contender Agit Kabayel. The 39‑year‑old Ukrainian made the move official without announcing retirement, leaving the heavyweight division’s top spot vacant. 3 by the IBF, now stands in prime position to claim the throne.

The vacancies create a power vacuum in a division that hasn’t seen a unified champion since Usyk’s reign began in 2021. Usyk’s decision to step away from the belts—while explicitly not retiring—suggests he’s exploring new avenues, with Zuffa repeatedly mentioned as a potential next stop. The move also severs the planned unification clash with Kabayel, a fight many expected to deliver a German heavyweight champion for the first time since Max Schmeling in 1930.