Undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will vacate one of his four titles, the IBF belt. Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are expected to fight for the vacant title on September 21. Dubois, who holds the IBF Interim belt, is the mandatory challenger. Meanwhile, Usyk is contracted to rematch Tyson Fury.
Anthony Joshua is set to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight belt after Oleksandr Usyk confirmed he would vacate the title. Usyk, who recently defeated Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion by holding the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, announced his decision to relinquish the IBF belt ahead of the anticipated fight between Joshua and Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
The Ukrainian boxer confirmed the news via his Instagram account, signaling the transfer of the IBF title opportunity to Joshua and Dubois. This development clears the path for the British heavyweights to contest for the coveted IBF belt, which Dubois currently holds in an interim capacity.
Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF title comes as he is contractually obligated to a rematch with Fury, scheduled for December. This bout will be a significant event in the heavyweight division, but it means Usyk must step aside from his IBF title defense obligations. Dubois, having been the mandatory challenger for Usyk, now finds himself in a position to vie for the full title against Joshua.
Joshua, a former unified world champion, has had a roller-coaster career recently, with two notable losses to Usyk. However, he has shown resilience and determination in his comeback. In 2023, he secured a points victory over Jermaine Franklin and followed it with two stoppage wins against Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin. Earlier this year, Joshua made a statement by defeating Francis Ngannou, a former UFC champion, in just two rounds. Although Ngannou was inexperienced in boxing, his previous ten-round distance fight with Fury highlighted Joshua’s decisive win.
Dubois, on the other hand, has also made a strong comeback after his defeat to Usyk last year. The 26-year-old fought Usyk for the WBO, WBA, and IBF titles in August at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland. Despite putting up a valiant effort and pressing Usyk initially, Dubois was stopped in the ninth round. However, he rebounded by defeating Jarrell Miller in December and Filip Hrgovic earlier this month to win the IBF Interim title.
The upcoming clash between Joshua and Dubois promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both fighters have demonstrated their capability and hunger for the title. Dubois, eyeing the opportunity to become a world champion, expressed his determination and confidence in his ability to overcome Joshua. This fight at Wembley Stadium will not only be a significant moment in their careers but also a pivotal event in the heavyweight division.
With Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF title, the spotlight is now on Joshua and Dubois. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await their showdown, anticipating an intense and competitive battle for the prestigious IBF heavyweight belt.
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