On June 1, there is a possibility of FILIP HRGOVIC and Daniel Dubois competing for the IBF Interim heavyweight championship in Riyadh.
Oleksandr Usyk’s request to have his rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21, where they would compete for all four titles, is still awaiting approval from the sanctioning body, as the news reveals.
It was widely anticipated that the IBF would strip Usyk of his title following his victory over Fury last month. The reason behind this expectation was that he would not have been able to meet his mandatory obligation against Hrgovic within the required timeframe. Had this scenario unfolded, Hrgovic would have had the opportunity to compete for the vacant belt in tomorrow night’s highly anticipated all-star 5 v 5 event between Queensberry and Matchroom. His opponent would have been former challenger Dubois.
Hrgovic, who has been the mandatory challenger since 2022, is aware that if he defeats Dubois, he might potentially face Usyk or Fury in 2025. However, it is possible that the winner of the undisputed rematch could decide to relinquish the IBF title. In that case, if Hrgovic and Dubois compete for the Interim title on Saturday, the victorious fighter could be promoted to the status of full champion.
Dubois fell short in his maiden world title challenge against Usyk
(Getty Images)
This development has also provided a significant career advancement for Dubois. Despite entering the fight as the underdog, a great incentive now awaits him if he manages to secure the victory.
Anthony Joshua, the former unified champion and IBF’s highest rated contender, may be patiently awaiting the outcome of Saturday’s fight between Hrgovic and Dubois. Rumor has it that Joshua will make his return in September at Wembley Stadium. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, initially hoped that the IBF title would be up for grabs in this fight, but it seems that Joshua will have to wait until next year to have a shot at another world title.
