The highly anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk for the heavyweight title has finally been signed, much to the delight of fans worldwide. After a year filled with other exciting battles, the inability to make the Fury-Usyk fight a reality had become a sore spot in an otherwise positive year for boxing. However, now that the fight has been officially made, a collective sigh of relief is breathed by promoters and broadcast entities. The winner of this historic fight will be crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, a feat not achieved since Lennox Lewis dominated the division decades ago.
While fans eagerly anticipate the Fury-Usyk bout, news of a rematch clause being incorporated into the contract casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the undisputed champion. According to reports from ESPN, the loser of the fight will have the opportunity to enforce a rematch with the winner. While a rematch may seem like an exciting prospect, it poses a unique challenge. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) will not acknowledge the rematch clause, meaning that either Usyk or Fury, the respective IBF champion, would have to relinquish the belt if an immediate rematch occurs. This implies that the undisputed champion would be forced to surrender one of the four major belts that confer their undisputed status, namely the WBC, WBA, WBO titles, in addition to the IBF.
Oddly enough, this predicament might present an unexpected opportunity for former heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua. Although Joshua has suffered two defeats to Usyk, he could potentially reclaim the IBF belt if Fury and Usyk engage in a rematch. The current top IBF heavyweight contender, Flip Hrgovic, and the rankings’ second contender, Joshua himself, stand as prime candidates for a shot at the IBF title.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, the IBF has mandated that the winner of the initial bout between Fury and Usyk must defend their title against the formidable and undefeated Croatian, Hrgovic, with no exceptions. In contrast to other sanctioning bodies, the IBF is known to adhere strictly to its rules. While commendable, this adherence makes it challenging to maintain an undisputed champion in the heavyweight division for a substantial period.
As the highly anticipated Fury-Usyk encounter approaches, the uncertain future of the undisputed heavyweight champion looms large. The potential for a rematch and the IBF’s strict regulations could cause the champion to relinquish one of their hard-earned belts, diluting their undisputed status. This scenario leaves boxing enthusiasts yearning for a longer reign of an undisputed champion.
As much as Flip Hrgovic may relish the opportunity to challenge for the heavyweight crown, the prospect of Joshua seeking redemption against Usyk and reclaiming the IBF belt casts another intriguing twist on the future landscape of heavyweight boxing.
While the Fury-Usyk fight holds great promise and excitement, the inclusion of a rematch clause and the stringent regulations of the IBF create uncertainty regarding the longevity of the undisputed heavyweight champion. Only time will reveal the fate of the belts and the true undisputed champion in the ever-evolving world of boxing.
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