Usyk could lose his IBF title after his fight with Verhoeven
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has announced the conditions regarding Oleksandr Usyk’s championship title ahead of his bout against Dutchman Rico Verhoeven. The fight will take place on May 23 in Egypt.
If Usyk loses on May 23, the IBF heavyweight title will immediately be declared vacant. Verhoeven, however, will not be able to win the title—if the Ukrainian wins, the title defense will be counted as successful.
The WBA previously made a similar decision: Usyk will retain the title if he wins, but Verhoeven will not be able to win it.
After the fight with Verhoeven, Usyk will be required to make a mandatory defense of the IBF belt within 180 days.
As a reminder, Usyk named Wardle–Dubois as the favorites for the fight.
Earlier, former undisputed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis shared his thoughts on a potential matchup between Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk and Moses Itauma.
British boxer Tyson Fury has officially announced his intention to face undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk in the ring for the third time.
