Usyk ‘ready on choice’ and should have undisputed title stripped after Fury win
Oleksandr Usyk is determined to hold onto his undisputed title until his mega money rematch with Tyson Fury.
The heavyweight boxing king defeated Fury, 35, in a classic contest to be crowned the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis. But as it stands the 37-year-old Ukrainian star will be forced to vacate the IBF title because of an overdue mandatory challenge.
Next in line Filip Hrgovic, 31, who has been waiting for more than a year and a half, is set to face young British contender Daniel Dubois on June 1. IBF president Daryl Peoples told Lance Pugmire that Usyk has asked to keep the belt to ensure his rematch with Fury has the undisputed title at stake.
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Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas told BoxingScene: “We’re waiting for a decision to be made. “I think it’s more important for Tyson Fury now, not for Oleksandr.
“Oleksandr, of course, is a two-time unified [champion at cruiserweight and heavyweight] and if the next fight is just for the three belts, I don’t think it’s going to be fair for either of the two guys. Either Tyson Fury or for Oleksandr.
Do you think Oleksandr Usyk should be allowed to keep all of his titles? Let us know in the comments section below
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“But as far as importance, I think it’s more important for Team Fury to get this title. Imagine if Fury wins – he’s not going to be undisputed, so he is losing the chance.
“The rematch, the clause, was so both guys had the chance to be undisputed. I hope the IBF are going to make the right decision.”
Hrgovic, from Croatia, believes he deserves a world title shot, after remaining undefeated in 17 fights since turning pro. However, due to Fury activating his rematch clause, IBF chiefs may also consider it important to have all the titles on the line when Usyk faces Fury again, which is expected to happen in October.
It is believed Hrgovic’s fight with rising British star Dubois, 26, would most likely be for an interim world title. Saudi Arabia chief Turki Alalshikh has confirmed the winner of the clash between Hrgovic and Dubois should face Anthony Joshua in September.
AJ has returned to form and has long eyed an all-British bout between himself and Fury, which fans on these shores have wanted to see for nearly a decade and counting.
