Oleksandr Usyk/Boxing Scene
The absolute world champion in super heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk appealed to the IBF to keep the belt in a rematch with Tyson Fury. We will remind that a new match was planned immediately after the defeat of the British.
The Ukrainian thus wants to keep the title of the organization for a rematch with Tyson Fury, which will allow the rivals to fight again for all the belts of the division. This information was confirmed to BoxingScene by IBF President Daryl Peoples.
Initially, it was planned that after the victory over Fury, Oleksandr Usyk would be stripped of the title of absolute champion, and the IBF belt would be put on the line against Filip Hrgovych , who has long been a mandatory contender for the title, and Daniel Dubois.
Now the Ukrainian boxer is asking for an exception, which is allowed by the rules. It is expected that the organizers from Saudi Arabia can influence the fact that Hrgovych does not insist on the championship status of his fight with Dubois.
We are waiting for a decision. I think now it's important for Tyson, not Alexander. At the same time, I don't think it would be fair to either of them if the rematch was only three belts away. And imagine if Fury wins – he will not be absolute, so he will miss the chance, – commented Usyk's manager Egis Klimas.
It is known that Fury activated the clause about immediate rematch with the Ukrainian. Bookmakers have already started accepting bets on the match.
Oleksandr Usyk