Undisputed heavyweight world champion Usyk vacates IBF belt

English Woman's Journal - Undisputed heavyweight world champion Usyk vacates IBF belt

SPORTS 26.06.2024

Undisputed heavyweight world champion Usyk vacates IBF belt / Photo: Fayez NURELDINE - AFP/File

Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will vacate his IBF title just weeks after he became undisputed world heavyweight champion.

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The Ukrainian, 37, became the first heavyweight to hold the IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC belts when he beat Tyson Fury on a split decision in Saudi Arabia last month.

With Usyk now contracted to a rematch with Britain's Fury, he is not in a position to defend the IBF crown against interim champion and mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.

That means Dubois' expected all-British fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September could now be for the vacant title.

Usyk said in a video posted on social media: "Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21."

Britain's Lennox Lewis was the last man to unify the major heavyweight belts -- three at the time -- prior to Usyk, in 1999.

D.W.Robertson--EWJ

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English Woman's Journal - Undisputed heavyweight world champion Usyk vacates IBF belt