Oleksandr Usyk has made the decision to relinquish his IBF heavyweight title in a move that has notable ramifications for the rest of the division.
Last month, the Ukrainian came out on top in a thrilling undisputed showdown with Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that he became an undisputed champion in two weight categories.
The rematch with Fury has been pencilled in for December, but there has always been doubt as to whether all four belts would remain on the line.
In order for last month's historic bout to take place, the IBF granted special permission for Usyk to defend it, rather than take on his mandatory challenger who, at the time, was Filip Hrgovic.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Usyk had requested another chance to defend his IBF belt, despite the fact that it would further hold up the division.
However, ahead of the formal announcement of Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, the two in line to compete for a vacant belt, Usyk has taken to social media to reveal that he is freeing the way for the two Brits to contest for that title.
What did Usyk have to say?
In a video on X, Usyk said: "Hey Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois. The IBF belt is my present for you for 21.09.2024.
🚨 Oleksandr Usyk announces that he is vacating his IBF heavyweight world title so that Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois can fight for it on September 21st 🥊🏆
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) June 25, 2024
You just can't not love this guy 😅
📹: @Usykaa pic.twitter.com/K0y1QV8Ra8
"The world loves strong. Your friend, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk (followed by a winking emoji)."
At a press conference on Wednesday, it will be confirmed that Joshua and Dubois will do battle at Wembley Stadium on the third weekend in September.
As interim champion, Dubois will now be upgraded to the full status of IBF champion, reward for stopping Hrgovic in their Saudi Arabia fight at the start of the month.
Despite the event taking place in London, it will be in conjunction with the events that have been run in the Middle East by Prince Turki Alalshikh.
Since December, Dubois has stopped each of Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic, while Joshua has recorded more ruthless victories over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou.
Darren Plant
