26 June 2024 , 07:35
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Oleksandr Usyk has given up his IBF belt following his win against Tyson Fury - meaning it will be on the line when Anthony Joshua fights Daniel Dubois.
The Ukrainian became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 25 years when he beat Fury on points in their historic fight last month. Fury started out strong but Usyk found a second wind in the fight and almost KO'd the Brit, who was beaten for the first time in his professional career.
Usyk was expected to be stripped of the IBF belt for not fulfilling his mandatory duties by fighting Dubois in his next bout. Usyk will instead fight Fury for a second time on December 21. In a video to social media, Usyk said: "Anthony and Daniel listen, I know IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on September 21. The world loves strong. Your friend, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Oleksandr Usyk.”
Joshua will now attempt to become a three-time world champion when he meets fellow Brit Dubois at the national stadium later this year. He was first crowned ruler in 2016 when he demolished Charles Martin, only to lose his belts three years later to Andy Ruiz Jr - a defeat he avenged the same year.
Joshua lost his belts again in 2021, this time when he was outclassed by Usyk in London - and the Ukrainian followed up his victory with success in the rematch a year later. Dubois, meanwhile, has rebuilt his career impressively since losing to rival Joe Joyce in 2020 admit accusations he "quit" in the grudge fight.
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He won his next four fights before he too was beaten by Usyk when he was stopped in the ninth round in Poland last year. Dubois bounced back against Jarrell Miller before upsetting Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia earlier this month to become the interim IBF champion.
He and Joshua will now fight it out for the right to become the full champion in September at the top of a packed card which is expected to include Joshua Buatsi against Willie Hutchinson.