Oleksandr Usyk announces he will vacate all of his world heavyweight titles ahead of 'last dance'

Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he is vacating his Ring Magazine, WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles ahead of what he describes as his "last dance".

The 39-year-old, who remains undefeated with a professional record of 25-0, took to Instagram on Friday to announce the news.

Speaking in a video message, he said: "Friends, good afternoon everyone. Today is Friday, the weather is beautiful. It's a good day to say that I want to vacate all the belts I currently hold.

"I want to make them available, so that the guys who are next in the line can fight for them."

He added: "Friends, I'm leaving the belts, but I'm not leaving the sport because I still have my last dance. I want to thank everyone. I have great respect for all organisations. I want to thank everyone and say there's more to come! Glory to God for everything! Glory to Ukraine!"

Usyk also used the following caption on his social media post: "This is a well-considered decision that I am confident will open new opportunities for me. This is not the end of the story. The continuation lies ahead."

Based on his message, the Ukrainian will fight one last time before saying goodbye to the sport, although his opponent has yet to be confirmed.

Usyk, who struggled to overcome kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in Egypt last month, had been lined up to face WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel, who is the mandatory challenger, but those plans have been scrapped.

Sergey Lapin, Usyk's advisor, hinted this week that the undefeated champion could hang up his gloves.

“Agit Kabayel is an excellent fighter, a worthy champion and a man we respect. There is nothing personal here, but fights of this magnitude are not made through social media or public pressure," he told Snabbare.

“Oleksandr has spent his entire career proving who he is. At this stage, the question is no longer what Usyk owes anyone. The question is what kind of event can be built?"

Lapin continued: "If the numbers and the opportunity make sense for everyone, then everything is possible. We are open to serious business, not noise.

"If the right opportunity presents itself, the fight can happen. If not, there are other paths and other major opportunities available.

“But one thing people should remember: when a fighter has achieved everything Oleksandr has achieved, every appearance becomes special. It is possible that fans have already seen him in the ring for the last time. Or maybe there is still one more chapter left. We will know very soon.”

After conquering at cruiserweight, Usyk has well and truly taken the heavyweight division by storm, recording wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. He will certainly go down as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all-time.