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Boxing's Heavyweight Crown Vacated: A New Era Dawns
29 Jun
Summary
- Oleksandr Usyk relinquished WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles.
- A scramble is underway for the vacant heavyweight championship belts.
- The absence of Usyk, Joshua, and Fury marks a decade shift.
Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight championship titles, initiating a dramatic scramble for the division's top belts. This decision signifies a new chapter in heavyweight boxing, as Usyk moves on from his second reign as undisputed champion.
Agit Kabayel, the undefeated interim WBC champion, has been upgraded to full champion, with a homecoming fight in Germany likely. The IBF picture sees Frank Sanchez as the number one contender, with a potential vacant title fight between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic in August.
The WBA title situation is also fluid. The fight between Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic in August could also contend for this vacant belt. Meanwhile, Murat Gassiev holds a version of the WBA title but has not been automatically upgraded.
This period is notable as it's the first time in over a decade that Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua do not hold a version of the heavyweight championship. Their dominance has defined the division for years, and their collective absence ushers in an era of unprecedented opportunity and potential controversy.
