A big blow for A.J.
Oleksandr Usyk has begun negotiations to retain his IBF heavyweight title following his win over Tyson Fury.
Usyk handed the Gypsy King his first career defeat with a unanimous points victory, becoming the first undefeated champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
After the fight, it was revealed that Usyk would only be able to remain undefeated champion for two weeks before relinquishing the IBF belt ahead of a rematch with Fury.
Filip Hrgovic has been appointed the belated mandatory challenger and is scheduled to face Daniel Dubois on June 1 for the soon-to-be vacant heavyweight title.
Joshua had hoped to face the winner of the Hrgovic-Dubois fight at Wembley Stadium later this year, but all three could pose major blows.
Usyk hits three heavyweights
According to TalkSPORT, Usyk has applied for an “exception” to retain his IBF crown and his title as unbeaten champion.
A formal request has been sent and is currently being considered by IBF president Darryl Peoples.
If granted, the Ukrainian would be able to retain all four titles ahead of the rematch with Fury and would likely be forced to face an IBF mandatory challenger if he wins the rematch.
The upcoming heavyweight bout between Hrgovic and Dubois will be an absolute title eliminator bout with the IBF “interim” belt on the line.
Joshua will have to wait and see what happens, but if Usyk wins again he may opt to face Fury in a non-title fight next year.
Related Links: