Usyk Vacates IBF Title to Fight Dubois

Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight champion, has relinquished his IBF title to facilitate a potential fight against Daniel Dubois. Usyk is currently in negotiations for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, with Dubois as the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt. This move allows Usyk to focus on the Joshua rematch without the obligation to defend the IBF title against Dubois. Usyk's decision came after a lengthy period of back-and-forth between the fighters and their respective teams. The IBF initially ordered Usyk to face Dubois, but Usyk's team requested a postponement due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The IBF agreed to the postponement, but also set a deadline for Usyk to make a decision. With a potential Joshua rematch looming, Usyk opted to vacate the IBF title rather than face a potential legal battle with Dubois. The IBF will now order Dubois to face the highest-ranked available contender for the vacant title. This decision sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch between Usyk and Joshua, with the winner likely to unify the heavyweight division.

Summary

"Usyk's decision to vacate the IBF title paves the way for a high-stakes rematch with Joshua, freeing him from a potential fight with Dubois. The IBF will now look to schedule a fight between Dubois and another top contender for the vacant title."