Depriving Usyk of the title of absolute world champion: IBF gives explanation

The team of Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) may request an exception to the International Boxing Federation (IBF) rules on mandatory belt protection. If the organization takes the side of our compatriot, it may allow the Ukrainian to retain the title of absolute world heavyweight champion. At the same time, the IBF is set to put the title up for grabs in the fight between Filip Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) and Daniel Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs).

IBF President Daryl Peeples said this in an interview with Boxing Scene. The official added that any current champion, according to his federation, can ask for an exception, but Usyk's team has not yet made such a request. At the same time, the mandatory rematch clause in the contract for the fight between the Ukrainian and the Briton does not take precedence over the mandatory defense.

"Any reigning champion can ask for an exception to any IBF rule. Usyk's team has this right. Why didn't they do it? I don't know. Currently, the Hrgovic-Dubois fight is not a title fight. If Usyk's team asks for an exception, it will be submitted to the IBF board of directors, and if the board grants it, then special conditions will most likely be applied," Peeples said.

It is already known that Fury will activate the rematch clause with Usyk. On May 18, the Ukrainian defeated Fury by a split decision – 115:112, 113:114, 114:113. Tyson expressed his desire to visit Ukraine.

Referee Mark Nelson's decision to score Tyson a knockdown drew criticism from experts. At the same time, it became known about a little-known rule used by the referee.

Following the fight, the Ukrainian was suspended from boxing for medical reasons. He was hospitalized after the fight. Promoter Oleksandr Krasiuk spoke about the details of the Ukrainian's jaw injury.

Later it became known that Usyk could have been arrested in Saudi Arabia after the fight. And the knockdown in the fight was found in an 18th-century painting.

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