Oleksandr Usyk made history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades, but it will be a status that’s short-lived, much to Tony Bellew‘s disgust.
The Ukrainian technician beat Tyson Fury over twelve, scoring a sensational knockdown on the way to a split decision victory. It means he adds the WBC belt to his collection of the IBF, WBO and WBA.
Boxing’s heavyweight division now has its first sole champion since the days of Lennox Lewis, but an IBF ruling will mean that’s only the case for around two weeks.
The sanctioning body has been clear for some time that the undisputed fight was approved subject to the champion immediately entering talks to face its mandatory challenger, currently Filip Hrgovic.
Since Usyk and Fury have a rematch clause, that won’t take place. Instead, Hrgovic’s battle with Daniel Dubois on June 1 is expected to be for the vacant belt after Usyk is stripped.
Despite being well-publicised, former cruiserweight champion and Usyk opponent Bellew says the move is “infuriating.”
“This is the reason my great sport continues to shoot itself in the foot! Why does he need to vacate? He’s the best heavyweight in world and just showed it! Let him do the rematch or fight the best contender! SIMPLE REALLY! Infuriating the politics of the sport!”
The IBF’s move means that should the rematch go ahead as planned, Fury will not have the chance again to become undisputed. How quickly the belts may meet again is up for debate, with Anthony Joshua in prime position to fight the winner of Hrgovic-Dubois for the chance to become a three-time world champion.
