Even if the duel Tyson Fury against Oleksandr Usyk will take place at the beginning of next year, he may not have the title of absolute champion at stake, since the IBF obliged Usyk to defend against Philip Hrgovic, and Hrgovic's co-promoter Eddie Hearn said his team had requested an immediate promotional bid, which should force the champion to fight or leave the IBF title vacant.
“Immediate promotional bidding means you cannot get an exception [to fight for the undisputed championship]. The only way out is if Hrgovic is ready to grant such an exception. But he wants to fight for the title,” Hearn said, hinting that if Fury and Usyk want to fight for four belts, they will have to offer Khrgovic a generous compensation.
“I have already talked to representatives who want to organize the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight. They are very upset that Filip Hrgovic can stop Fury from fighting Usyk for the undisputed title. But I have nothing to do with it. I represent Hrgovic, I don't represent Fury or Usyk," Hearn added.
If Oleksandr Usyk leaves his IBF title vacant and fights Tyson Fury for the WBA, WBC and WBO titles, then Filip Hrgovic will fight Andy Ruiz for the vacant IBF heavyweight title. If Ruiz chooses to fight Deontay Wilder instead, then Hrgovic vs. Anthony Joshua will be scheduled.
