---
title: "The Usyk Era is Over: How the Redistribution of Heavyweight Belts Will Change Boxing"
description: "Oleksandr Usyk has vacated all titles, triggering a massive shake-up in the heavyweight division! 🥊 Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Murat Gassiev — who will become the new king of boxing? We analyze the new scenarios and mega-fights. 👇🏆"
date: 2026-06-28T12:14:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/usik-era-over-redistribution-heavyweight-belts-change-boxing
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# The Usyk Era is Over: How the Redistribution of Heavyweight Belts Will Change Boxing

![Oleksandr Usyk with four world championship belts in the heavyweight division, symbolizing the end of his era and upcoming changes in boxing](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/28/usik-osvobodil-tituly-pere-del-poyasov-v-supertyazhkom-vese/usik-osvobodil-tituly-pere-del-poyasov-v-supertyazhkom-vese-1.webp)

World boxing is experiencing a historic moment. Oleksandr Usyk, who became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era, has decided to vacate his titles. This move instantly ended the Ukrainian's monopoly and triggered a massive process of "redistribution of ownership" in the premier division. Now, fans are looking at a horizon of grand promoter battles and a series of loud mega-fights for the vacant crowns.

Usyk's path to the top was unique. Starting to collect titles in the cruiserweight division, where in 2018 he defeated Murat Gassiev and unified the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO belts, he transferred this success to the heavyweight division. By defeating Anthony Joshua twice, winning the WBC belt against Tyson Fury in May 2024, and then defending his titles in a rematch against Daniel Dubois in July 2025, Usyk set a precedent. However, his departure from the summit returns boxing to an era where the main titles are scattered among different fighters.

### WBC: The Battle for the British Market

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has already determined a new full champion of the world. The baton was taken by the German Agit Kabaal, who previously held the interim title. However, his path to unification is already mapped out.

The most likely scenario is a fight between Kabaal and the number one ranked fighter, former champion Tyson Fury. Both boxers are under the wing of Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. "Uncle Frank" will not miss the opportunity to organize this fight in the UK, as Fury remains the main financial engine of the promotion. For Tyson, stepping into the ring as the WBC champion is also critical: it will increase his chances and the value of a future mega-fight against Anthony Joshua.

### IBF: Joshua's Return to the Throne

A loud confrontation is being prepared in the International Boxing Federation (IBF). Mandatory challenger and rating leader, Cuban Frank Sanchez, is set to square off with Anthony Joshua, who holds the fifth spot in the rankings.

This combination is dictated by legal nuances: the second position in the IBF rankings is vacant, while a fight between the third and fourth ranked fighters (Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic) will determine the contender via the WBO line. Promoter Eddie Hearn will do everything to return the IBF title to Anthony — this belt was the first in the Briton's career. If Joshua takes this title, and Fury holds the WBC belt, their long-awaited duel will transform from a battle of veterans into a full unification of championship belts.

### WBO and WBA: New Contenders and Old Rivals

The situation in the WBO is developing according to an interesting scenario. The title, which Usyk relinquished last year, was passed to Fabio Wardley. However, Wardley has already lost it to Daniel Dubois. Now, Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic will fight for the right to challenge Dubois.

In the World Boxing Association (WBA), the vacant full title will return boxing to the past. The association will give a chance to its regular champion, Murat Gassiev — Usyk's former rival in the cruiserweight division. His opponent, with high probability, will be the controversial American Jarrell Miller, the mandatory contender who signed a contract with Matchroom Boxing. Eddie Hearn will do everything to return his fighter to the top of the division.

Usyk's decision did not just free up belts — it opened a direct path for ambitious contenders who have been waiting for their chance for years. Leading promoters around the world have already begun backstage maneuvering, and the schedule for the coming years promises to be one of the most packed in heavyweight history.