Oleksandr Usyk to relinquish IBF title, ending reign as undisputed world heavyweight champion

Oleksandr Usyk shocked the boxing world by announcing that he is vacating his IBF title, thus forfeiting his status as the undisputed world heavyweight champion. The 37-year-old Ukrainian made history when he defeated Tyson Fury to claim the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF belts in a fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia just last month. However, Usyk is now focused on his upcoming rematch with Fury, as per the terms of their contract, which means he will not be able to defend his IBF crown against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.

This decision paves the way for Dubois to face fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua for the IBF title in a fight scheduled for September. Usyk confirmed his decision to step aside in a video message, stating, “Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21.” This move shakes up the heavyweight division, as the eventual winner of the Fury-Usyk rematch will not be crowned as the undisputed champion.

Usyk’s victory over Fury marked him as the first undisputed champion in the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis achieved the feat in 2000. With a perfect record of 22-0, Usyk’s win solidified his status as an all-time great alongside boxing legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield. The rematch between Usyk and Fury is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia in December, setting the stage for another historic battle in the heavyweight division.