Oleksandr Usyk’s reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion may be short-lived, as his IBF title is on the line due to an impending mandatory challenge from Filip Hrgovic. Despite only recently capturing all four major belts by defeating Tyson Fury, Usyk’s hold on the IBF title is now in jeopardy.
The main issue at hand is the rematch clause in Usyk’s contract with Tyson Fury, which prevents him from facing mandatory challenger Hrgovic in his next bout. This leaves Usyk in a precarious position, as he may have to choose between honoring his mandatory obligations or risking his IBF title.
Filip Hrgovic’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has made it clear that unless a compromise can be reached to allow Usyk to retain his IBF title, it will be on the line in Hrgovic’s upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois on June 1st. Hearn emphasized the importance of mandatory challengers and the difficulty of holding on to all four belts in the current boxing landscape.
With the IBF title hanging in the balance, Usyk finds himself in a challenging situation as he navigates the complex world of undisputed champions and mandatory challengers. The looming decision by Tyson Fury regarding his rematch clause could have significant implications for Usyk’s title reign.
Usyk’s potential loss of the IBF title highlights the challenges that come with being an undisputed champion in the boxing world. Mandatory obligations, contractual agreements, and the ever-changing landscape of the sport make it difficult for fighters to hold onto all four belts simultaneously.
The future of Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF title remains uncertain as he faces the possibility of losing it due to mandatory challenges and contractual obligations. The upcoming fight between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois will determine the fate of the IBF belt, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate world of championship boxing. Usyk must navigate these challenges carefully if he wishes to maintain his status as an undisputed heavyweight champion.