Usyk relinquishes WBA belt to make heavyweight move

Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his WBA cruiserweight title to pave the way for a move up to the heavyweight division.

The Ukrainian stated his intention to step up this year after establishing himself as the cruiserweight king.

Usyk wrote to the WBA to confirm he will hand over his belt and is also set to relinquish the IBF, WBC and WBO straps.

The 32-year-old is reportedly in line to make his heavyweight debut against Carlos Takam in Chicago on May 18.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that he expects Usyk to do battle with Anthony Joshua next year.

The WBA had ordered Usyk to fight Denis Lebedev, but that bout will not be taking place.