Oleksandr Usyk, the Pound for Pound King, has relinquished the IBF heavyweight title to two British opponents he previously defeated convincingly.
Usyk opted to surrender the championship despite requesting an exception to retain it for a rematch with Tyson Fury. Consequently, their upcoming December 21 bout will no longer be for undisputed status.
The accomplished Ukrainian held all four belts for just 38 days, following Lennox Lewis’ achievement 25 years ago. While fans had waited a quarter-century for another undisputed champion, they acknowledge Usyk’s standing even after his decision to relinquish the belt.
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Anthony Joshua, whom Usyk defeated twice convincingly, and Daniel Dubois, whom he stopped in nine rounds, will now vie for the title in a lucrative Wembley showdown this autumn.
In announcing his decision, Usyk stated, “Anthony and Daniel, hear me out. I understand the significance of the IBF title to you. Consider it my gift to you on September 21. The world admires strength. Yours truly, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk.”
Organizers are set to confirm Joshua vs. Dubois at a London press conference on Wednesday, under the Riyadh Season banner, marking Turki Alalshikh’s debut UK promotion.
The two British fighters anticipate a sold-out venue as Joshua aims to become a three-time heavyweight champion and reclaim the belt that launched his first reign.
Dubois, bolstered by impressive stoppages of Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic since his loss to Usyk, seeks to secure his first recognized title.
An extensive undercard will feature Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson, among other matchups from the Frank Warren vs. Eddie Hearn stable following their recent 5 vs. 5 Tournament success.
The event marks an unprecedented collaboration between the companies on British soil, ending a feud spanning four decades.