A war is brewing in boxing over Usyk's title – media
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) and other sanctioning bodies have found themselves in a delicate situation after the fight for the world heavyweight title between Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) and Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) took place in Saudi Arabia. That's because the organizations have proven their inability to provide top fights.
This was written by the famous British commentator Steve Bunce in his column for the BBC. He recalls that last year, for the first time in 60 years, only one fight for the world heavyweight title took place, when Usyk fought Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs).
Usyk with the belt of the absolute world champion.
Source: Oleksandr Usyk's Instagram
IBF belt, which Usyk owns
Before that, boxing organizations had failed to bring together the holders of all four major belts – Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) and Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs) – in the ring in three years. At the same time, the Arabs managed to organize several stunning fights in a short time.
Anthony Joshua after the fight with Francis Ngannou
Now, the IBF and other boxing associations will do everything they can to not lose their influence and, consequently, the opportunity to make money. That's why Usyk may be stripped of his IBF belt and put on the line for the Joshua-Dubois fight in September, rather than waiting for the rematch between Usyk and Fury. At the same time, Britain is sure that the fight will gather an unrealistic audience without the championship title.
Usyk's team with the flag of Ukraine.
The sanctioning bodies now realize that they are in a dangerous position. Perhaps they will decide to create a boxing league, which was previously mentioned by the Arabian organizers.
Dubois lost to Usyk.
Deontay Wilder.
We would like to remind you that Saudi Arabia has already officially announced the date of the second fight between Usyk and Fury. The boxers' rematch fees were announced. It is expected that the boxing rules will be changed in the second fight. And the IBF has made a new statement about stripping the Ukrainian boxer of his world title.
Usyk and Fury in a fight on May 18.
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