Oleksandr Usyk Vacates Three Heavyweight Titles, Sparking Veteran Comebacks and Title Talks

Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts, leaving the division largely open. Hall of Famer Tim Bradley said of the move, “He is done. He has left the sport of boxing, he is in the business of boxing now.” Usyk is being linked to a potential final bout with Deontay Wilder.

British veteran Dereck Chisora, 42, confronted WBA champion Murat Gassiev ringside in Russia and signalled his interest in a title shot. Gassiev replied, “If we can’t unify the belts in the near future, why not?” Chisora also commented that only Moses Itauma and Daniel Dubois now pose serious challenges in the heavyweight ranks.

Former two‑time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, 53, secured a new comeback date of 18 August at the ESL Ballpark in Rochester, New York, after fellow 55‑year‑old Chris Byrd suffered a first‑round knockout. Organisers said the opponent will be announced in the coming weeks. Rahman previously knocked out Lennox Lewis in 2001 and aims to break the record for the oldest heavyweight champion.