World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk voluntarily gave up IBF championship belt to allow other fighters the opportunity to claim it, he said in an interview with the YouTube channel Boxing King Media.
He has opened up about his decision to relinquish the IBF title.
“I am the undisputed world champion in the heavyweight division, we had four belts,” he commented.
“Yes, it's the rule — I have to defend my belts. My title wasn't taken from me; I vacated it.”
“But for me, my sport and my weight class must remain active.”
“Joshua is a great fighter, and Dubois too. It will be a great fight for the IBF title,” he added.
“I have three belts left. We have a rematch with Fury. We'll have the rematch, and then we'll decide what to do next.”
“For me, it doesn't matter. It's okay. I'm happy. I've already become the undisputed champion," Usyk said.
Usyk's rematch with Fury is scheduled for Dec. 21 in Saudi Arabia.