The 37-year-old Ukrainian won the World Boxing Council (WBC) version of the championship belt previously owned by Fury in Saudi Arabia last month, and also retained his belts in the World Boxing Association (WBA), IBF, World Boxing Organization (WBO) ), The Ring magazine, as well as in the less prestigious versions of the International Boxing Organization (IBO).
The British Lennox Lewis became the absolute heavyweight champion last time in 1999.
As Usyk has signed a rematch with Fury, he will not be able to defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois of Britain.
That means Dubois’ bet to fight another British boxer, Anthony Joshua, at Wembley Stadium in September could also be for the vacant IBF version of the world title.
“Joshua and Dubois, I know the IBF title is important to you. This is my gift to you on September 21st,” Usyk says in a video posted on social media.
Usik has won all 22 fights in his professional career.
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