Anthony Joshua And Daniel Dubois To Battle For IBF Belt

By: Gyang Dakwo

Anthony Joshua is expected to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight belt after Oleksandr Usyk confirmed he was vacating the world title.

Usyk defeated Tyson Fury on points to become undisputed champion with the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF titles, but has now announced he will relinquish his IBF belt ahead of a planned fight between Joshua and Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21.

The Ukrainian broke the news via his Instagram account.

“Hey Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, the IBF Belt is my present for you for 21.09.2024. The world loves strong. Your friend, Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World, Oleksandr Usyk,” he posted.

IBF president Daryl Peoples confirmed to the media that the heavyweight title was vacant, but refuted reports that Dubois had been elevated to champion, saying no ruling has been made.

Dubois, who Usyk defeated last year, holds an IBF Interim belt and would have been the mandatory challenger for Usyk, who is contracted to rematch Fury, a bout which has been set for December of this year.

Joshua, formerly a unified world champion himself, has previously lost twice to Usyk.

Dubois has also rebuilt successfully from a loss to Usyk.