In a stunning announcement, Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed that he will be vacating his IBF title shortly after becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian fighter made history by holding the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC titles after defeating Tyson Fury in a split decision last month in Saudi Arabia.
However, as Usyk is now obligated to a rematch with Fury, he is unable to defend his IBF title against interim champion and mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois. Therefore, it is anticipated that Dubois’ upcoming bout against Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September may now be for the vacant IBF title.
In an exclusive video shared on social media, Usyk addressed Joshua and Dubois, acknowledging the importance of the IBF title to them. He stated, “Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21.”
Prior to Usyk, the last heavyweight boxer to unify the major heavyweight belts was Britain’s Lennox Lewis in 1999. Usyk’s achievement in becoming the first heavyweight to hold all the major titles simultaneously is a remarkable feat in the history of boxing.