It’s no secret that Oleksandr Usyk faces shedding one among his titles within the coming weeks, but it surely’s not a foregone conclusion.
That unthinkable state of affairs so quickly after his wonderful evening solely occurs if Tyson Fury prompts the rematch clause.
The IBF is ready within the wings to behave, as they did with Fury in 2015, to take the title away from Usyk if their necessary challenger fails to realize his alternative. Proper now, that man is undefeated Croatian star Filip Hrgovic. Hrgovic places his spot on the road towards Usyk’s ex-opponent, Daniel Dubois, on June 1. As soon as that struggle is within the books, the IBF will order negotiations to start inside days. In the event that they don’t, the Worldwide Boxing Federation will transfer to strip Usyk of the purple belt.
Usyk can save his title two-fold, although. It’s conceivable that he can hold all his championships because the Undisputed King of Boxing. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, a identified advocate for having one champion, may supply Hrgovic an enormous paycheck to attend till 2025 – only one extra struggle. Hrgovic has already accepted two funds, so taking a 3rd isn’t out of the query.
The second is Fury negating his second struggle choice. It’s additionally extremely seemingly that Fury will wish to take the remainder of the 12 months off and ponder his future after the loss. Subsequently, Usyk may match his IBF stipulation in earlier than the top of the 12 months. Fury can then collect his ideas, and if he desires to rematch Usyk, he can achieve this. “The Gypsy King” may additionally resolve to face Anthony Joshua as a substitute.
Fury’s phrases after the competition pointed in the direction of a return with Usyk, but it surely’s a identified incontrovertible fact that the previous champion adjustments his thoughts on the flip of a coin.
“I consider I gained that struggle. I consider he gained a number of of the rounds, however I believed I gained the vast majority of them. What are you able to do? These are the choices in boxing,” mentioned Fury.
“We each placed on a great struggle, the most effective we may do. We return, have a bit of relaxation, and spend a while with our households. Then we will get it again on in October,” he added.
Both fighter returning in October appears too quickly after a hellacious battle on the Kingdom Enviornment. November or December looks as if a extra tangible date for a second struggle or Usyk’s first protection.
However as issues stand, it seems to be optimistic for Usyk relating to holding on to all of the titles he lastly unified on Saturday evening. The Pound for Pound primary is basking in his glory of defeating Fury decisively regardless of what the scorecards learn in Riyadh.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra in regards to the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
