Oleksandr Usyk won against Tyson Fury and now faces a challenge to retain his IBF title. The match occurred recently, stirring the boxing community as Usyk grasps his last hope to keep his IBF belt. Despite his victory, Usyk's hold on the title is threatened by mandatory challenger requirements and a potential rematch with Fury.
Oleksandr Usyk, renowned for claiming a legendary victory over Tyson Fury, now navigates the complexities of retaining his International Boxing Federation (IBF) title. With the need to face mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic also looming, Usyk's championship status is under scrutiny.
Tyson Fury has expressed intentions to activate a rematch clause after his loss, adding further intricacies to Usyk's situation.
Filip Hrgovic, the mandatory challenger entitled to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the IBF title, remains focused on an upcoming bout against Daniel Dubois scheduled for June 1st. This impending match adds another layer of urgency to the unfolding drama surrounding the IBF championship.
A possible Fury-Usyk rematch potentially occurring in October complicates matters further. This event could determine if Usyk may have to relinquish his belt due to overlapping obligations and regulatory stipulations set by the IBF. Daryl Peoples, President of the International Boxing Federation, hinted at a slight possibility that Usyk could keep his belt if he opts for the rematch against Fury.
The dynamics of this situation are governed by IBF rules where a champion must face their mandatory challenger unless an exception is granted by a board decision. There is still uncertainty about whether Fury will pursue the rematch or forego it for other opportunities.
Oleksandr Usyk stands at a crossroads in his boxing career with multiple challenges ahead and stringent stipulations on maintaining his champion status within the IBF framework.
