Promoter Frank Warren has provided a key update on Oleksandr Usyk‘s undisputed heavyweight champion status amidst rumours that he will be stripped of one title within weeks.
The IBF had made it clear that it would allow the four-belt clash go ahead between Usyk and Tyson Fury on the condition that the winner would then face its mandatory challenger, namely Filip Hrgovic.
Usyk is now the proud holder of that belt alongside the WBC, WBA and WBO, but a contracted rematch clause with the Brit makes it impossible for him to defend against Hrgovic.
Had the IBF moved ahead with the decision, it’s understood that an option was for Hrgovic to fight for the vacant title against Daniel Dubois on June 1 in Riyadh.
Warren, who represents both Fury and Dubois, spoke to Seconds Out on the matter and why his young charge won’t be competing for the belt in just over a week’s time.
“Usyk has been suspended because of how tough the fight was. I think it’s 40 days or 45 days by the commission, so he cannot be stripped at this stage of the game, because he’s not in a position to defend his title. We will see what happens.”
Usyk’s is a standard medical suspension imposed after fights.
Warren then said that he would like the Usyk-Fury rematch to be for all the marbles, so an interim strap for Dubois was okay with him.
“Daniel and Hrgovic is a fantastic fight. The worst case scenario, it will be an interim title fight. Whatever happens, if it goes ahead as an interim title fight I have no problem with that. I feel like the [Usyk-Fury] rematch – and a lot of people will be p***ed off with me saying this – should be for the four belts.”
The rematch is slated for October with more information expected in the coming weeks.
