Main image: Oleksandr Usyk has urged the IOC not to let Russian athletes compete at Paris 2024 (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)
Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk has vacated the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world heavyweight title. The 37-year-old boxer announced this decision on his Instagram account.
The IBF belt will be up for grabs in the bout between British fighters Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, scheduled for September 21 in London.
"Anthony and Daniel, listen up. The IBF Belt is my present for you for 21.09.2024. The world loves strong. Your friend, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk," Usyk stated.
The IBF confirmed to the American publication ESPN that the heavyweight title is now vacant.
As a result, Oleksandr Usyk has lost his status as the undisputed world champion. During his rematch against British boxer Tyson Fury (scheduled for December 21), the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts will not be on the line.
