Ukrainian Heavyweight Champion Usyk Vacates IBF Title Ahead of Fury Rematch

Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion, has announced that he will be vacating his IBF title. The 37-year-old Ukrainian fighter made history last month by defeating Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to claim the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF belts, becoming the first undisputed champion in the four-belt era.

However, Usyk’s decision to relinquish the IBF title means he will no longer be the undisputed heavyweight champion when he faces Fury in a highly anticipated rematch later this year. The two-fight contract signed by both fighters stipulates that the rematch must take place, preventing Usyk from defending the IBF crown against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.

Usyk’s Statement on the IBF Title

In a video posted on X, Usyk addressed the situation, saying, “Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21.” This statement suggests that Dubois and British heavyweight Anthony Joshua will now compete for the vacant IBF title in September.

Usyk’s Legacy and the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship

The winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch, expected to take place in Saudi Arabia in December, will not be the undisputed heavyweight champion, as Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF belt alters the landscape. Nonetheless, Usyk’s achievement of becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000 (who held three belts) has cemented his place among the all-time greats of the sport, joining the ranks of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield.

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