The highly anticipated battle between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk has finally been signed, much to the excitement of fans. With major boxing events like Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence already behind us this year, the failure to materialize the Fury-Usyk fight had become a sore spot. However, with the fight now confirmed, everything seems to be falling into place. The winner of Fury-Usyk will be crowned the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, a title that hasn’t been held since Lennox Lewis dominated the division decades ago. But is this newfound glory likely to be short-lived?
According to reports from ESPN, a rematch clause has been included in the contract for Fury-Usyk. This means that the loser of the fight will have the opportunity to enforce a rematch with the winner. While this may seem like an added chance for redemption, it could potentially disrupt the undisputed status. The IBF, one of the four major boxing organizations, will not acknowledge the rematch clause. Therefore, if a rematch were to occur immediately, either Usyk or Fury would have to relinquish their IBF belt. This leaves the winner with the difficult choice of giving up one of the belts that define their undisputed status – the WBC, WBA, WBO, or the IBF title.
Interestingly, this turn of events may be a glimmer of hope for former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. While he has suffered two defeats at the hands of Usyk, a rematch between Fury and Usyk could provide Joshua with another opportunity to regain the IBF title he once held. Currently, the top IBF heavyweight contender is Flip Hrgovic, and right behind him in the rankings is none other than Anthony Joshua himself.
The Daily Mail has reported that the IBF has ordered the winner of the Fury-Usyk fight to defend their title against the undefeated Croatian fighter, Flip Hrgovic, next, without any exceptions. The IBF is known for strictly adhering to its own rules, setting it apart from other sanctioning bodies. However, while the IBF is ensuring a challenging path for the winner, it raises questions about the stability of an undisputed champion in the heavyweight division.
It would be ideal to have an undisputed heavyweight champion who can hold onto their title for a significant period of time. The current landscape, with a potential immediate rematch and mandatory defenses set in place, makes this goal seem elusive. Flip Hrgovic, although deserving of his position, may not agree with this sentiment. Similarly, Anthony Joshua might see a glimmer of hope in these developments, as a potential rematch between Fury and Usyk could open the door for him to reclaim the coveted IBF belt.
While the signing of the Fury-Usyk fight brought relief to fans and boxing enthusiasts, it also introduced the uncertainty of a potential rematch clause. The clash of heavyweight titans for the undisputed title is the boxing world’s dream, but the IBF’s non-recognition of the rematch clause adds a twist to the tale. Will the winner of Fury-Usyk continue to hold the undisputed title, or will circumstances force them to relinquish a belt? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the heavyweight division remains as unpredictable and intriguing as ever.
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