'My present for you': Usyk voluntarily stops being undisputed champion
Oleksandr Usyk stops being undisputed world champion (x.com/Turki_alalshikh)
Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has decided to vacate the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title, citing the boxer's Instagram account.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian recorded a video message to British boxers Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, who are linked to a potential fight for the IBF heavyweight belt.
"Hi everybody. Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you. Let's call it my present to you for September 21. Thank God for everything. Glory to Ukraine," Usyk said.
Later, the Ukrainian boxer's manager Oleksandr Krasiuk confirmed that Usyk had relinquished one of his championship belts. The IBF wanted to mandate the undisputed champion to defend the title against Dubois. However, Usyk will prepare for a rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21.
About Usyk – Fury 2
Recently, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, revealed the date for the second heavyweight clash. The rematch is scheduled for December 21. The fight will take place in Riyadh.
If Fury refuses to fight, Usyk will have at least three candidates for opponents. After the British Dubois (interim IBF champion), two more heavyweights are next in line - WBA regular champion Charr and WBO interim champion Parker.
In the first fight, the Ukrainian emerged victorious by a split decision. Usyk was favored by two of the three judges - 115:112, 114:113.
