Usyk Vacates IBF Title Weeks After Becoming Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight boxing champion, has announced that he will vacate his IBF title just weeks after being crowned the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian boxer made history last month by defeating Tyson Fury in a split decision in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first heavyweight to hold the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC belts simultaneously.
Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF title comes as he prepares for a rematch with Britain’s Tyson Fury.
The contractual obligation to face Fury again means that Usyk is unable to defend his IBF crown against interim champion and mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.
This development paves the way for a potential all-British showdown between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September.
The anticipated fight could now be for the vacant IBF title, adding another layer of excitement to the heavyweight division.
In a video posted on social media, Usyk addressed Dubois and Joshua directly: “Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21.”
Usyk’s achievement in unifying the heavyweight titles echoes the feat last accomplished by Britain’s Lennox Lewis in 1999, who held three major belts at the time.
The decision of the Ukrainian to vacate the IBF title sets the stage for a new chapter in heavyweight boxing, with fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming bouts that will shape the future of the division.
