Written by Sean Crose, it has been announced that Oleksandr Usyk will no longer hold the IBF heavyweight title, while retaining the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles. Usyk sees the upcoming fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois as the one that will decide the next IBF champion, with talks of the match possibly happening on September 21st.
In a message on Instagram addressed to Joshua and Dubois, Usyk mentioned that the IBF belt will be up for grabs on the specified date. Usyk made the choice to relinquish the IBF title after being mandated to fight Dubois next, alongside having a rematch with Tyson Fury scheduled for December. This news might disappoint those looking forward to crowning a sole undisputed heavyweight champion.
Both Joshua and Dubois have crossed paths with Usyk previously, with Dubois coming close to a win in their last year’s match. Joshua, only having one loss to Usyk on his record, poses a strong challenge. Fans are excitedly awaiting the Usyk-Fury rematch planned for December in Saudi Arabia.
Even though the Usyk-Fury rematch won’t be for the undisputed heavyweight title, it will declare the best heavyweight in the world. Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF belt aligns well with the upcoming fights ahead.
