Usyk Vacates IBF Title, Setting Stage for Joshua vs. Dubois Showdown

In a dramatic twist for the heavyweight boxing division, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are set to clash for the IBF heavyweight title following Oleksandr Usyk’s unexpected decision to vacate the belt. Usyk’s announcement has shaken up the boxing world, opening the door for a highly anticipated bout between two of Britain’s top heavyweights.

Daniel Dubois, the interim IBF champion, secured his position with an impressive TKO victory over Filip Hrgovic earlier this month. While an official announcement is still pending, it is widely expected that Joshua will challenge Dubois for the vacant IBF title. The winner of this bout will earn a shot at the victor of the upcoming Usyk vs. Tyson Fury II fight, which will now only be for the unified titles.

In a surprising and generous move, Usyk addressed his decision to vacate the IBF title with a message for Joshua and Dubois. “Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you. Consider it my present to you. On September 21, guys,” Usyk declared, setting the date for the much-anticipated matchup between Joshua and Dubois.

Usyk has a strong history against both fighters, having defeated Joshua twice by decision

On the other hand, his bout against Dubois was marred by controversy. During their fight, Usyk secured a TKO victory after the referee deemed an alleged body punch from Dubois as a low blow. This ruling allowed Usyk to recover and ultimately win the match, leaving Dubois and his camp disputing the outcome.

With Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF title, the heavyweight division has been injected with renewed excitement and anticipation. The upcoming Joshua vs. Dubois fight promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both fighters eager to claim the prestigious title and secure their place in the upper echelons of heavyweight boxing.

Anthony Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, is looking to regain his status after two tough losses to Usyk. Known for his power and athleticism, Joshua’s quest for redemption has fans eagerly awaiting his return to the ring. Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois, a rising star in the division, has demonstrated his potential with a series of impressive victories. His victory over Hrgovic solidified his status as a serious contender, and the opportunity to fight Joshua for the IBF title is a significant milestone in his career.

The stakes are incredibly high for both fighters. A victory for Joshua would mark a triumphant comeback and reestablish him as a top contender in the heavyweight division. For Dubois, a win would catapult him to new heights and potentially set up a showdown with the winner of Usyk vs. Fury II, bringing him closer to undisputed status.

Usyk’s decision has not only reshaped the immediate landscape of the heavyweight division but has also set the stage for a series of blockbuster fights. Depending on the outcomes of these crucial bouts, boxing fans could witness another high-profile undisputed heavyweight championship clash, possibly in mid-2025.

As the date for Joshua vs. Dubois approaches, the excitement and speculation continue to build. Will Joshua reclaim his place among the heavyweight elite, or will Dubois seize his moment and establish himself as a new force in the division? One thing is certain: the world will be watching closely as these two warriors step into the ring, ready to make history.

The 2024 boxing calendar has been significantly altered by Usyk’s strategic move, ensuring that the heavyweight division remains one of the most compelling and dynamic landscapes in sports. Fans can look forward to a year filled with intense matchups, dramatic storylines, and the ever-present possibility of seeing the crowning of a new undisputed heavyweight champion