Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he is vacating his IBF title, forfeiting his status as the undisputed world heavyweight champion. Usyk, 37, made history just last month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia when he defeated Tyson Fury to claim the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF belts. However, Usyk is now focused on his upcoming rematch with Fury, as per the terms of their contract.
This decision means that Usyk will not be able to defend his IBF crown against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois. The eventual winner of the Fury-Usyk rematch will not be crowned as the undisputed champion. Usyk confirmed his decision 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 and sets the stage for another historic battle in December when the rematch between Usyk and Fury takes place in Saudi Arabia.
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.
