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Why Oleksandr Usyk is being stripped of world title just days after win over Tyson Fury

Why Oleksandr Usyk is being stripped of world title just days after win over Tyson Fury

Oleksandr Usyk won't have all the world heavyweight titles for long.

Oleksandr Usyk will be stripped of one of his world titles following his stunning victory over Tyson Fury.

Usyk outpointed Fury by split decision to capture the WBC world title and became the undisputed heavyweight champion in the process.

The Ukrainian nearly stopped the Brit in the ninth round after badly hurting him with a series of big shots, with boxing legend Lennox Lewis sharing an unseen footage of the crazy moment.

Two of the three judges scored the bout in favour of Usyk, who is now in possession of the WBA (super), IBF, WBO and WBC world heavyweight titles.

But he will be stripped of the IBF belt - or will vacate it - in the next two weeks as the organisation are set to put the red and gold strap on the line for when Filip Hrgovic meets Daniel Dubois on June 1 in Saudi Arabia.

Hrgovic, who boasts a win over Zhilei Zhang, is the overdue mandatory IBF challenge.

The Croatian star, 31, is unbeaten in 17 pro fights and destroyed Mark de Mori on the 'Day of Reckoning' card last year.

Anthony Joshua, who was in attendance for Fury vs. Usyk, is set to face the winner of Hrgovic vs. Dubois.

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory over Tyson Fury. Image: Getty
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory over Tyson Fury. Image: Getty

IBF's decision comes after Usyk and Fury will run it back as an immediate rematch was written in the contract.

So, the second meeting, which is slated for October, won't be an undisputed showdown.

The WBA (super), IBF and WBO world titles will be on the line for the proposed sequel between Usyk and Fury.

On the potential rematch, Usyk's promoter Alex Krassyuk said: "We are men of our words. It's not about paperwork - if we shake hands and promise something, we do it. I see no reason for the rematch not to take place."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Boxing