Oleksandr Usyk Stripped of Heavyweight World Title, Anthony Joshua Emerges as the Happiest
If there is a rematch between the Ukrainian and Tyson Fury, it will alterate the landscape of boxing
Oleksandr Usyk made boxing history after beating Tyson Fury to become undisputed world heavyweight champion. This is the first time the heavyweight class has had an undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis, however there is some bad news that many have forgotten.
Usyk will be stripped of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) title and order to vacate it because he obtained that piece of hardware by beating Anthony Joshua by way of unanimous decision in 2021 and now the Ukrainian will have to have a rematch with Fury in October, according to reports.
However, there is some uncertainty, as sources indicate that Eddie Hearn has now said he is unsure if Oleksandr Uryk will be stripped of the IBF heavyweight world title in time for it to be in line for the Filip Hrgovic versus Daniel Dubois match on June 1st.
What could end up happening if there is an exception?
Anthony Joshua would be in line to face the winner of the Filip Hrgovic versus Daniel Dubois match to try and be crowned IBF heavyweight Champions later this year, and there is another scenario that would play even more on his favor.
If there is an exception for Oleksandr Usyk to keep the title a few more weeks, then the IBF belt could be stripped after the Hrgovic vs Dubois encounter making only a number contender match and the championship would be on the line until either one of these boxers faces Joshua.
