Today, two-weight quadruple champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) made a short video announcement on Instagram, declaring his intention to vacate the IBF Heavyweight Championship belt, allowing Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) and interim IBF champion Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) to contest for the vacant title.
Said Usyk, “Listen up, Joshua, Dubois. I know the IBF belt means a lot to both of you, so this is my gift to you for your September 21st battle.”
This means that Usyk’s December 21st rematch with Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) will solely be for the WBC/WBA Super/WBO Heavyweight Championship belts. If Joshua emerges victorious against Dubois, he will become a three-time heavyweight world champion. Should Fury defeat Usyk in their second encounter, their bout against Joshua would still be a unification showdown.
However, Fury faces a more challenging task in avenging his loss to Usyk compared to Joshua defeating Dubois. Usyk is renowned for his exceptional technique, agility, stamina, and high boxing IQ. For Fury to secure a successful revenge, he would need to alter his style and improve his conditioning.
