Oleksandr Usyk vacates IBF belt to set up Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois; Tyson Fury rematch not for Undisputed status

In the world of heavyweight boxing, titles can change hands faster than a magician’s card trick. Oleksandr Usyk, the recently crowned undisputed champion, has just pulled off his own sleight of hand. The Ukrainian boxer has decided to vacate his IBF title. It’s a move that will shake up the heavyweight division, especially Tyson Fury.

Usyk’s decision comes just five weeks after his historic victory over Tyson Fury. He became the first heavyweight to hold all four major belts simultaneously in the four-belt era. It was long rumored that the IBF would strip Usyk after the undisputed title in May. Now, it has come to fruition with the Ukrainian boxer vacating it. While vacating, Usyk had a message for Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you on 21 September.

Oleksandr Usyk via X

The IBF had mandated Usyk to defend his title against Daniel Dubois. However, Oleksandr Usyk is already committed to a rematch with Tyson Fury. This unexpected move set the stage for a showdown between Joshua and Dubois. They’re now expected to fight for the vacant IBF title in September.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching. Usyk’s rematch with Fury will no longer be for undisputed status. For Joshua and Dubois, this is an unexpected opportunity. The fight is expected to take place at Wembley Stadium on September 21. Meanwhile, Tyson Fury still has a rematch against Usyk in December. It will be another chance for Fury to show why he claims to have defeated Usyk the first time.

Tyson Fury reveals his scorecard for his fight against Oleksandr Usyk

Controversy and disputed decisions are a common occurrence in Boxing and combat sports in general. The judges score fights with various criteria in their minds. So, fighters don’t often agree with their assessment. Tyson Fury, never one to shy away from a debate, has reignited discussions about his recent loss.

The ‘Gypsy King’ recently shared his personal scorecard for his fight against Oleksandr Usyk. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t quite match the official results. Fury claimed he’s rewatched the bout “lots of times” since his split decision loss. According to Fury, he comfortably outboxed Usyk for most of the fight. 

I've watched the fight back lots of times and still got the same answer - I thought I won the fight…Usyk knows he didn't beat me…I thought I boxed the head right off him for most of the rounds.

Tyson Fury via FUROCITY bu Tyson Fury YT

Fury generously gave the Ukrainian just three rounds out of twelve. His scorecard reads 116-111 in his favor, starkly contrasting the official result. As for the judges of the fight, one judge scored in Fury’s favor, awarding him 114-113. The other two judges had their scorecards in favor of Oleksandr Usyk (115-112 and 114-113). Nevertheless, Fury will have a chance at redemption when the duo meet again.

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