The boxing world was left in shock when Oleksandr Usyk announced through a video message that he would be vacating the IBF heavyweight title, leaving him with the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles in his possession. This decision meant that the division would no longer have an undisputed heavyweight champion, a position that Usyk had briefly held.
Usyk also mentioned that he believes the upcoming fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will determine the next IBF heavyweight champion. The proposed bout between Joshua and Dubois, scheduled for September 21st, has generated a lot of interest. With Usyk vacating the IBF belt, the path clears for Joshua and Dubois to compete for the title, creating excitement among fans and observers.
The decision to vacate the IBF belt was not entirely Usyk’s choice, as the IBF had ordered him to defend his title against Dubois next. With a much-anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury scheduled for December, Usyk found himself in a difficult position. The choice to vacate the belt was seen as a strategic move to allow the upcoming fights to take place without any complications.
The upcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in December has intrigued many fans. The first bout between the two fighters was a closely contested affair, with both men having their moments of dominance. Usyk’s victory in the first fight set the stage for a rematch that promises to be equally thrilling. While the rematch won’t be for the undisputed title, it will determine who can claim the title of the best heavyweight in the world.
For Usyk, vacating the IBF title was a necessary step in his journey towards becoming a true heavyweight champion. With the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles in his possession, Usyk remains a formidable force in the division. His decision to relinquish the IBF belt was met with mixed reactions, but ultimately, it was a move that had to be made to allow the division to move forward.
Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF heavyweight title has set the stage for exciting future matchups in the division. With Joshua and Dubois set to face off for the vacant title and the upcoming Usyk-Fury rematch on the horizon, the heavyweight division is poised for an action-packed end to the year. Despite the disappointment of losing the undisputed champion status, Usyk remains a key figure in the division and a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
Leave a Reply