In a surprising turn of events, Oleksandr Usyk has decided to vacate his IBF heavyweight title, leaving him with the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles. This move has left the world without an undisputed heavyweight champion, a position that many fans and boxing enthusiasts were eagerly waiting for.
Usyk hinted that the likely fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will determine the next IBF heavyweight champion. Although the bout is believed to take place on September 21st, it has not been officially confirmed yet. Usyk even went as far as posting a message on social media, offering the IBF belt as a present to the winner of this upcoming match.
The IBF had actually ordered Usyk to face Dubois next, putting him in a difficult position with an upcoming rematch against Tyson Fury in December. With little room to maneuver, Usyk made the tough decision to vacate the IBF belt, opening up the opportunity for Joshua and Dubois to battle for the vacant title.
Both Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois have faced Usyk in the past, with losses in their records. However, Dubois came close to victory in their encounter last year, showcasing his potential as a heavyweight contender. Joshua, on the other hand, boasts an impressive record of victories, making him a worthy opponent for the heavyweight title.
The highly anticipated rematch between Usyk and Fury is set to take place in December in Saudi Arabia. The first bout between the two fighters was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, which ended in a close victory for Usyk. The upcoming rematch, although not for the undisputed title, will determine the best heavyweight in the division, adding more excitement for boxing fans around the world.
Despite the disappointment of vacating the IBF title, Usyk’s decision was understandable given the circumstances. With a challenging fight against Fury on the horizon, he needed to focus on his upcoming match and relinquish the IBF belt to avoid conflicting schedules and commitments.
The world of boxing continues to witness intriguing developments and unexpected twists, especially in the heavyweight division. With Usyk stepping down as the IBF champion, a new era begins for Joshua, Dubois, and other aspiring contenders to claim the vacant title and make their mark in the boxing world.
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