Indeed, following an announcement that he will relinquish the IBF title, Oleksandr Usyk is no longer the undisputed heavyweight champion. The unbeaten Ukrainian claimed a split decision win over Tyson Fury in the process in May, and became the first man since compatriot Lennox Lewis did so 25 years ago. Usyk, who was the WBO, WBA, and IBF champion, clinched the WBC belt after a high voltage fight against Fury in Saudi Arabia. A rematch is slated for December, however, it is not for all four belts.
The Joshua vs Dubois Fight Schedule
Oleksandr Usyk announced that he will vacate the IBF belt, which will be up for grabs between AJ and Daniel Dubois on 21st September. In the Fury fight, there was an understanding that the winner had to relinquish the IBF title or defend it against the mandatory contender. However, the announcement of Usyk was expected because both Fury and Usyk agreed to have the rematch.
Joshua and Dubois now face each other for the main event.
Joshua and Dubois bout is expected to be formally announced for the Wembley Stadium in the Autumn. Subsequently, Dubois emerged as the IBF’s mandatory contender, following his victory over Filip Hrgovic in May while on the other hand, Joshua looks forward to becoming a triple world champion. Speaking in a social media video, Usyk said via a post on Social Media the following to Joshua and Dubois: “Anthony and Daniel, I want you to know the IBF title is very important to you, it is my gift to you on the 21 September.”
‼️ Oleksandr Usyk announcing that he is vacating his IBF heavyweight world title so his former opponents Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois can fight for it on Sept 21st at Wembley…
[🎥 @Usykaa]https://t.co/SR2uLiAP3z
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) June 25, 2024
Oleksandr Usyk has earlier on beat both Joshua and Dubois, he was able to gain his world titles by outboxing Joshua in September 2021 and defeating Dubois through a ninth round knockout in Poland.
