Ukrainian Super Boxer Usyk Vacates His IBF Heavyweight World Title

The world champion, 37-year-old Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk, has vacated his IBF world super-heavyweight title. He announced this decision on Instagram. 

Usyk has extended the time for his mandatory defence of the title, but had previously planned to retain it until his fight against Fury. The Ukrainian's promoter claimed that the team would make such a request to the IBF. However, Oleksandr changed his mind.

This belt will be at stake in the fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, which is scheduled to take place on 21 September in London. The fight should be officially announced by the end of June. 

"Anthony and Daniel, listen up. I know the IBF title is important to you. So this is my gift to you for September 21," Alexander said in his announcement of the belt's release. 

Usyk has defeated Joshua twice in his career, and also defeated Dubois.

The IBF confirmed to ESPN that the heavyweight title is now vacant.

This decision by Ukrainian boxer Usyk means that he loses the status of absolute world champion. And in the rematch against Tyson Fury (scheduled for 21 December), the title of "absolute" will not be at stake. The fight will take place for the WBC, WBA and WBO belts, while the IBF champion will be Joshua or Dubois.