Ukrainian world boxing champion Usyk vacates IBF heavyweight title as a “present” to Joshua and Dubois

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has relinquished his position as the absolute world champion in the super heavyweight division, leaving the IBF belt up for grabs in the upcoming fight between Britons Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

The Ukrainian athlete posted a video statement on Instagram.

In the video's caption, the boxer tagged Joshua and Dubois and said that the IBF belt was his "present for them" on September 21. That's when the fight between the two Britons is likely to take place.

Usyk also added that "the world loves the strong."

"Hello, everyone. Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know that the IBF belt is important to you… Let's call it my gift for September 21. Thank God for everything! Glory to Ukraine!" the boxer said.

After the Ukrainian heavyweight leaves the IBF (International Boxing Federation) title vacant, he will cease to be the absolute world champion.

Usyk will have three titles left:

• WBC (World Boxing Council),
• WBA (World Boxing Association),
• WBO (World Boxing Organization).

Thus, on September 21, the British Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, whom the Ukrainian previously defeated, will compete for the IBF title.

According to promouter Eddie Hearn, the victor of this bout in the spring of 2025 is anticipated to face the more dominant Usyk or Fury in a rematch—deciding once again the undisputed world champion.

For reference:

On the night of May 19, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, there was a super heavyweight fight for the title of absolute world champion in boxing between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

In an incredible confrontation, the Ukrainian boxer won and became the absolute world champion. This was the first fight for the title of absolute world champion in super heavyweight in the era of four belts. Usyk defended the WBA, WBO, and IBF championship belts and tried to take the WBC title that belonged to Fury.

According to The Ring Sports magazine, Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk became the best boxer in the world regardless of weight category (P4P). After the victory over Tyson Fury, the Ukrainian rose from the third place in this rating to the first.

Later, Turki Al al-Sheikh, the head of Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Entertainment, revealed the date of the second heavyweight bout. The rematch is scheduled for December 21. Riyadh will host the fight.