British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua is set to seize his chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion after Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk vacated his IBF heavyweight title.
Usyk was granted an exemption from making a mandatory defense of his belt to face Tyson Fury last month. He became the undisputed champion after defeating the Gypsy King via a split decision in Saudi Arabia.
Now, Usyk has agreed to a rematch with Fury on December 21 but will not be defending the IBF title in their rematch.
On Tuesday night, Usyk confirmed via social media that he will be vacating his IBF belt, and Joshua is now expected to fight fellow Brit Daniel Dubois for it at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
Usyk, addressing Joshua and Dubois on social media, said: “Anthony and Daniel, listen, I know the IBF title is important to you. It’s my present to you on September 21.”
Joshua first won a world title in 2016 and held onto it for three years until his shocking defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden. He reclaimed his titles six months later but was defeated by Usyk in 2021 and lost the rematch as well.
