Oleksandr Usyk has announced on social media that he is vacating his IBF title ahead of the anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, set for September 21 at Wembley Stadium in London. This announcement comes just before the official confirmation of the bout, which will be part of Riyadh Season's inaugural event in the UK.
Usyk framed his decision as a gesture to Joshua and Dubois:
"Anthony and Daniel, listen – I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you for September 21," Usyk stated in his post.
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Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, confirmed the move, explaining that Usyk is concentrating on his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21, following his split decision win against Fury on May 18.
The IBF had stipulated that the winner of the Usyk-Fury bout would need to face the mandatory challenger or be stripped of the title. On June 1, Daniel Dubois knocked out Filip Hrgovic, who was the long-overdue IBF mandatory challenger, to win the interim IBF crown. IBF president Daryl Peoples mentioned that the organization would determine whether the Joshua vs. Dubois fight would be for the full IBF title.
Despite holding the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBO, and Ring Magazine titles, Usyk decided to vacate the IBF title, simplifying the path for Joshua and Dubois to compete for the now-vacant championship.
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