Just weeks after becoming the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world, the Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he will vacate his IBF title. Usyk, who is 37 years old, made history when he became the first heavyweight to hold the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC belts after defeating Tyson Fury in a split decision in Saudi Arabia last month.
As Usyk is now obligated to a rematch with Britain’s Fury, he is unable to defend his IBF crown against interim champion and mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois. This development means that Dubois’ anticipated fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September could potentially be for the vacant IBF title.
In a video posted on social media, Usyk addressed Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, stating, “I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21.” The last fighter to unify the major heavyweight belts prior to Usyk was Britain’s Lennox Lewis in 1999, who held three belts at the time.