Oleksandr Usyk has announced that he will vacate his IBF title just weeks after achieving the status of undisputed world heavyweight champion.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian made history by holding the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC belts after defeating Tyson Fury in a split decision last month in Saudi Arabia. With a rematch against Fury already contracted, Usyk is unable to defend the IBF title against interim champion and mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois.
This development opens the possibility for Dubois’ anticipated all-British bout with Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September to be for the vacant IBF title.
In a video posted on social media, Usyk addressed Joshua and Dubois, saying, “Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21.”
Usyk follows in the footsteps of Britain’s Lennox Lewis, who was the last man to unify the major heavyweight belts—three at the time—in 1999.
