Oleksandr Usyk Vacates IBF Title Ahead Of Fury Rematch
Just five weeks after becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years, Oleksandr Usyk has vacated his IBF title.
Usyk, who recently beat Tyson Fury to hold the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF belts, announced this decision ahead of his anticipated rematch with Fury on December 21st.
The IFB would have had to strip Usyk of his IBF title if he did not fight their mandatory challenger, Daniel Dubois, next. Usyk originally requested that he not be stripped of the best so the undisputed title can remain on the line for his rematch with Fury, but this would have breached the IBF rules.
This move clears the path for Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois to fight for the now-vacant IBF belt.
In a video message, Usyk said, "Anthony and Daniel, I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on 21 September."
Joshua vs Dubois Set to September 21st 2024
The Joshua-Dubois fight is expected to take place at Wembley Stadium on September 21st. Dubois, who holds the IBF interim title, was Usyk's mandatory challenger, making this bout a natural progression. With Usyk surrendering the belt, Dubois is now the current IBF champion.
Joshua, who has twice lost to Usyk, is on a comeback trail after a series of victories, including a recent win over Francis Ngannou. Dubois, also rebounding from a loss to Usyk, has been building momentum with wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
Usyk's decision to vacate the IBF title allows him to focus on his upcoming rematch with Fury, while also setting the stage for a fight between Joshua and Dubois. Both fighters have expressed their eagerness for the opportunity, with Dubois declaring, "I'll demolish Joshua," and Joshua responding, "I've got to pick them off one by one."
