Usyk may vacate title: IBF prepares Sanchez vs. Ajagba fight
Oleksandr Usyk (Photo: Getty Images)
The IBF has ordered a rematch between Frank Sanchez and Efe Ajagba — this fight will determine the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk's title, according to Boxing Scene.
Rematch instead of a deal
The IBF is preparing for the potential vacancy of the heavyweight title currently held by Oleksandr Usyk.
The organization has ordered a purse bid for the rematch between Frank Sanchez and Efe Ajagba after the fighters’ teams failed to reach an agreement.
The bidding will take place on August 5. The promoter who offers the highest amount will earn the right to stage the bout, and their bid will serve as the fight’s prize fund.
The winner will be granted mandatory challenger status for the IBF title.
Usyk keeps the intrigue, Chisora awaits
The current titleholder is the undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0, 15 KOs).
If he decides to retire or vacate the title, the winner of the Sanchez vs. Ajagba fight will face British veteran Derek Chisora for the vacant championship.
The first bout between Sanchez (25-1, 18 KOs) and Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KOs) took place in October 2021, with the Cuban winning by unanimous decision.
What led to this development
The IBF title previously belonged to Daniel Dubois, who defeated Anthony Joshua in 2024. Then, on July 20, 2025, Oleksandr Usyk knocked out the British fighter in the fifth round, unifying five championship titles (WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF, IBO).
However, the WBO has now ordered the Ukrainian to make a mandatory defense of his belt against interim champion Joseph Parker. As a result, the IBF is preparing its own challenger without waiting for Usyk’s official decision.
