This March 27, Ukranian Oleksandr Usyk announced through a personalized letter directed to the World Boxing Association (WBA) that states his desire to compete in the heavyweight division. With this step towards the heavyweight division comes the relinquishment of his WBA Cruiserweight championship.

The gladiator of eastern Europe also known as “Southpaw” captured the WBA Championship in Moscow, Russia this past 21st of July where he defeated the hometown favorite Murat Gassiev by unanimous decision. Just four months later he defended his title against U.K’s Tony Bellew whom he defeated by technical knockout in the eighth round.

Given the new circumstances in the future of Usyk’s career the purse bid that had been announced by the champions committee between Usyk’s team and his would be opponent Russia’s very own Denis Lebedev is now suspended.