Oleksandr Usyk has been crowned the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, but it looks like he could lose one of his titles before returning to the ring.
The 37-year-old Ukrainian defeated Tyson Fury in a thrilling bout for heavyweight gold in Saudi Arabia, winning by split decision with judges scoring 115-112, 113-114, 114-113. did.
However, despite the current celebrations, Usyk is expected to be stripped of his IBF title, pending long-time mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic to sign a rematch with Fury.
If all goes to plan, Usyk and Fury are set to face off again in October, with Fury looking for retribution. However, the IBF title will be relinquished by then and will be up for grabs when Hrgovic takes on Daniel Dubois in June.
The winner of that fight will take on Anthony Joshua at Wembley in September, weeks before Usyk and Fury clash again. The Mirror reports that it remains unclear whether the winner of this rematch will take home three belts instead of four and aim to regain the IBF title in his next move.
For now, Usyk holds all the money. But judging by his comments at the post-fight press conference, it seems unlikely that he will lose any sleep over the impending loss of the IBF title.
Usyk has been training longer than expected after his original fight with Fury, scheduled for February 17, was postponed, but the British boxer suffered a serious injury above his eye while sparring. The match was called off.
For now, Usyk’s priority is spending time with his family rather than making a solid plan for a return to the ring, despite his contractual commitments.
Asked about the possibility of a rematch, Wisk told reporters: “I’m not thinking about boxing right now.” “My camp started in September 2023 and I worked for 9 months.”
“Happy New Year, I missed my son’s birthday, I missed my daughter’s birthday, and I missed my daughter’s birth.”
“I also missed my family vacation. I was just focused on this game. I’m happy now and want to go home.”