Anthony Joshua Has a Chance to Become World Heavyweight Champion for the Third Time Thanks to Oleksandr Usyk’s Decision

In a surprising development in the heavyweight boxing world, Oleksandr Usyk officially relinquished his IBF title, opening up the opportunity for Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois to compete in an anticipated match at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2024. This decision by Usyk is not only a golden opportunity for Joshua to return to the championship, but also an attractive competition between two of England’s top boxers.

Usyk, the undisputed champion and the first since Lennox Lewis in 1999, announced his decision on social media Tuesday night. The move comes just a month after Usyk won the WBC gold belt from Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, completing his collection of championship belts. However, the Ukrainian champion had planned to relinquish his IBF belt in advance to prepare for a rematch with Fury at the end of the year, rather than face a mandatory opponent like Dubois.

Usyk sent a meaningful message on social media, saying, “Hey Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, the IBF belt is my gift to you on September 21, 2024. The world loves strength. You yours, the undisputed World Heavyweight Champion, Oleksandr Usyk.” Accompanying the announcement was a short video in which Usyk said, “Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you guys. Consider it my gift to you on the 21st 9.”

Anthony Joshua, who won the IBF title for the first time in 2016 from Charles Martin, has had an up and down journey since then. He lost and then regained the WBA (Super), WBO and IBO championship belts from Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, but lost them to Usyk in 2021 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and were unsuccessful in regaining them in the rematch in Saudi Arabia. However, Joshua did not give up and got back on track with four consecutive victories.

As for Dubois, the former WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight champion, had a heated fight with Usyk last summer in Poland, but was stopped in the ninth round after an argument over strikes short.

With Usyk relinquishing his IBF title, the fight between Joshua and Dubois is not only a clash between two of British boxing’s top stars but also an opportunity for Joshua to regain his world title, this time maybe the third time. The match promises to be a remarkable event, attracting the attention of boxing enthusiasts and fans around the world.