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Oleksandr Usyk has solidified his legacy in the boxing world, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. In a surprising yet calculated move, the unbeaten Ukrainian star announced on Tuesday that he is vacating his IBF belt. This decision opens the door for Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois to potentially compete for the title.
Usyk's announcement comes amidst swirling rumors of a Joshua-Dubois clash at Wembley Stadium in London on September 21. While the matchup has not been officially confirmed, the boxing community is buzzing with anticipation. Usyk addressed Joshua and Dubois directly, saying,
“Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know IBF title important to you. [Call] it my present to you on Sept. 21.”
Despite vacating the IBF title, Usyk remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division. He still holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO belts. His recent victory in May added the WBC heavyweight title to his impressive collection, which already included undisputed status at cruiserweight. Usyk's win came through a thrilling split decision over the previously undefeated Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The two are already set for a rematch in Riyadh on December 21.
Usyk's decision to vacate the IBF title comes after the IBF granted him an exemption to retain the title while awaiting his rematch against Fury. However, there was always the looming risk that the sanctioning body might strip him of the title, so Usyk opted to relinquish it preemptively.
Should Joshua and Dubois face off as expected, both fighters will have Usyk in their sights for future bouts. Both have past encounters with Usyk that they are eager to revisit. Usyk defeated Dubois by knockout in August 2023 and holds two decision wins over Joshua. The prospect of another showdown with Usyk adds an extra layer of excitement to the potential Joshua-Dubois clash.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, Usyk's strategic moves and the upcoming bouts promise to keep boxing fans on the edge of their seats. The landscape of heavyweight boxing is as dynamic as ever, with champions and challengers alike vying for supremacy.