Usyk's Short Reign As Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

Photo: Instagram/Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk will only hold the undisputed heavyweight champion title for a brief period. Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia, winning by split decision and claiming the WBC title to add to his WBA, IBF, and WBO belts.

However, his reign as the undisputed champion will last less than two weeks. Boxing journalist Dan Rafael reported that both Usyk and Fury’s contracts require them to vacate the IBF title. This move is necessary to make way for the overdue mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic’s fight against Daniel Dubois on June 1.

Rafael noted on social media, “A 25-year wait to get 2 weeks of another undisputed heavyweight champ,” highlighting the short-lived nature of Usyk’s undisputed status. Usyk is the first to hold this title since Lennox Lewis in 1999-2000.

Photo: Instagram/Oleksandr Usyk

Hrgovic, who has been waiting for this title shot for 18 months, will be competing for his first world title since turning professional. The 31-year-old has an unbeaten record in his 17 fights since his Olympic bronze win in 2016.

Usyk and Fury have already agreed to a rematch, expected in October. This means Hrgovic's fight with Dubois will likely be for an interim world title. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh announced that the winner of Hrgovic vs. Dubois will face Anthony Joshua in September.

Joshua, back in top form, is also looking forward to a potential all-British showdown with Fury in the future.

Read Next: Anderson Silva To Box Chael Sonnen On June 15 In Brazil

Source: Fox Sports 

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