Usyk gives up the title of absolute world champion: boxer makes a gift to rivals
26 June 2024 13:11
Absolute world champion Oleksandr Usyk decided to give up his IBF title for a fight between interim titleholder Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) and Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs), "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“Hello, everyone. Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF belt is important to you. Let’s call it my gift to you for September 21. Thank God for everything. Glory to Ukraine,”
– Usyk said in a video message.
He stressed that the IBF belt is a “gift for 21.09.2024”.
“The world loves the strong. Your friend, absolute world heavyweight champion Alexander Usyk,”
– Usyk added.
Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk, who recently defeated British boxer Tyson Fury in a spectacular fight, became the absolute world heavyweight champion, collecting four prestigious belts – WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF.
However, according to the rules of the IBF, which owns one of Usyk’s championship belts, instead of rematching Fury, the Ukrainian must fight against Croatian Filip Hrgovic, who is a mandatory contender for the IBF heavyweight belt. The IBF insists that its champion Usyk should agree on his next title defence with Hrgovic.
However, after his victory over Fury, Usyk and his opponent announced their intention to hold a second fight between them in accordance with the clauses of their contract. The promoters consider the rematch to be a more profitable and attractive event than Usyk’s fight with the unpopular Hrgovic.
Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have agreed to hold a rematch for the world heavyweight championship on 21 December.
