The highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, initially touted as a clash for the undisputed heavyweight championship, has hit a major roadblock following a recent ruling by the International Boxing Federation (IBF). As boxing enthusiasts eagerly await the showdown, it appears that the dream of crowning an undisputed champion may have to be put on hold.
Last week, it was confirmed that Tyson Fury, the WBC champion, and Oleksandr Usyk, who boasts the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO belts, were set to lock horns in Saudi Arabia, likely before the end of March. This bout was poised to determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades, promising to be a historic event for the sport.
However, ESPN has reported a twist in the tale. The contract for this monumental clash includes a two-way rematch clause, allowing the loser of the initial bout to seek redemption against the victor, without having to face a different opponent first. This clause seemed to solidify the significance of the match, offering both fighters an opportunity at redemption in the event of a defeat.
But the IBF has thrown a curveball into the equation. They have mandated that the winner of Fury vs. Usyk must face mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic before any rematch can take place. Failure to adhere to this directive would result in the IBF belt being stripped from the victor, and any subsequent rematch would only be for the remaining titles.
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Rematch in Jeopardy as IBF Mandates Mandatory Challenger
Filip Hrgovic, an undefeated Croatian boxer, expressed his anticipation, stating, “The IBF has now allowed Tyson Fury and Usyk to do a unification first. The winner of that fight is mandated to fight me immediately after, with no other intervening fight, so I expect to fight for the heavyweight championship early next year.”
This ruling by the IBF has raised eyebrows and sparked debates among boxing fans and experts. It adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the Fury vs. Usyk showdown, potentially delaying the dream of a unified heavyweight champion being crowned.
As the boxing world awaits further developments and the eventual outcome of Tyson Fury’s bout against Usyk, the landscape of the heavyweight division remains in flux. While both fighters possess formidable records and legacies, the road to an undisputed champion may now involve a mandatory pitstop for one of them. Whether this adds intrigue or frustration to the narrative, only time will tell. Boxing enthusiasts will keep a keen eye on the unfolding drama as the heavyweight division seeks clarity and closure.