The boxing world is holding its breath for a definitive update on the return of unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian maestro, who holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, is poised for a historic undisputed clash, but the path is fraught with complexity.
The Fury Rematch: What We Know
All eyes were on a contracted rematch with Tyson Fury following Usyk's sensational split-decision victory in Riyadh. The 'Gypsy King' has since activated his clause for a second bout, tentatively slated for October 12th or 13th in Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated sequel promises to settle the score once and for all.
The IBF Mandatory Spanner in the Works
However, a significant hurdle has emerged. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially ordered Usyk to face its mandatory challenger, the undefeated Croatian powerhouse Filip Hrgović. This creates a contractual tightrope for Usyk's team.
Failure to comply could result in Usyk being stripped of the IBF title, shattering the dream of an undisputed championship fight. Hrgovic, fresh off a dominant victory over Daniel Dubois, is adamant about getting his long-awaited title shot.
Potential Scenarios and The Road Ahead
Boxing promoters are now exploring several options to preserve the undisputed status of the Fury rematch. The most likely scenario involves negotiating a step-aside deal with Hrgović, financially compensating him to wait for the winner of Usyk vs. Fury II.
Alternatively, the rematch could proceed with the IBF title not on the line if the sanctioning body refuses to grant an exception. This would be a bitter disappointment for purists who have waited decades for an undisputed heavyweight champion.
As it stands, the boxing community awaits a final decision from the camps of Usyk, Fury, and Hrgović. The next few weeks will be critical in shaping the landscape of the heavyweight division for the remainder of 2024.
