Photo: EPA
Ukrainian heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs) has indicated he still hopes to reclaim the WBO title in the future.
Speaking at the annual World Boxing Council (WBC) convention in Thailand, Usyk said:
"Hello everyone. I’m glad to be here. Listen, I have four belts, right? Now three. Many people say, 'Hey, you’re not an undisputed champion.' Okay, that’s temporary. But I still have four belts. And my favorite has always been the green one (WBC title)."
He added: "Mauricio (WBC president), thank you for what you do. I like Thailand. It’s my first time here, and I like it. Thank you."
Usyk held the WBO title since defeating Anthony Joshua in late 2021 and defended it five times, including a rematch with Joshua and twice against Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. He remains the world champion under WBC, WBA, and IBF, also holding secondary belts from IBO and The Ring magazine.
Following his relinquishment, the new WBO champion is British boxer Fabio Wardley. Had Usyk retained the title, he would have faced Wardley in a mandatory defense.
