Usyk (22-0-0 14 KO) has held the IBF belt since beating Joshua in September 2021, also claiming the WBO and WBA straps from the British fighter. The Ukrainian made three successful defenses of the three titles, including in an immediate rematch with AJ.
Most recently, in May, Usyk added Tyson Fury’s WBC strap to his collection in the first undisputed heavyweight world title fight of the four-belt era.
The IBF had been expected to strip Usyk of its belt due to his inability to fight mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois, against whom the Ukrainian made his second unified title defense in August 2023. Instead, Usyk is signed on to fight Fury in a rematch on December 23.
Usyk opted to jump rather than being pushed, announcing in a short social media video that he had vacated the IBF title, saying: “Anthony and Daniel, listen – I know the IBF title is important to you. It is my present to you for September 21.”
Joshua Can Join Ali As Three-Time Champion
Dubois (21-2-0 20 KO) became the IBF’s interim champion when he defeated former holder Filip Hrgovic with an eighth-round stoppage in Saudi Arabia on June 1. ‘Dynamite’ is now widely expected to fight for the vacant title against Joshua on September 21, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
Should Joshua (28-3-0 25 KO) live up to expectations and defeat Dubois, he will become only the fifth fighter in history to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. The existing three-time club is comprised only of all-time greats: Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko, and Evander Holyfield, who went on to become the first four-time champion.
Few active heavyweights deserve the opportunity to reclaim a world title more than Joshua. After reaching a low point in his split-decision defeat in the Usyk rematch – where AJ threw one of the belts out of the ring before grabbing the mic and taking the defeat less than graciously – he has rebuilt his career admirably.
Always studying and looking to improve, the former Olympic champion has put together a four-fight win streak to get himself back in contention. Granted, his bout with MMA star Francis Ngannou was an embarrassing mismatch, but the clinical manner of his second-round knockout was nevertheless impressive.
AJ Rebuilt Career Admirably
Yet despite all the money, accolades, and a secured legacy, Joshua chose instead to grind, believing that his hard work and determination would pay off with a return to world title glory. Whereas fellow former heavyweight champions Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz, who stunned Joshua in their first fight to take the belts, faded into obscurity, AJ is now back near the top of the tree.
Of course, he’s been getting paid handsomely for his efforts, thanks in no small part to the ambitious arrival of Saudi Arabia, but at his level of wealth, money is no longer the only driving factor; greatness is now the focus.
However, to achieve the greatness he craves, to be worthy of being discussed in similar terms as the other three-time champions, AJ needs another defining victory.
Joshua To Fight Winner Of Usyk-Fury II?
Joshua’s epic win over Wladamir Klitschko in April 2017 announced him on the world stage, but since then his most challenging bouts have ended in twin defeats to Usyk. AJ could hardly be accused of ducking opponents (his record is far more impressive than Fury’s), but his resume is missing another one or two signature wins.
Could that opportunity come in an undisputed bout against the winner of Usyk v Fury II in 2025, assuming he defeats Dubois? The general feeling is that AJ needs to beat one of them to take his place among the all-time greats.
Win or lose against Usyk, there will be plenty of clamor for the long-awaited all-British showdown between Fury and Joshua, although whether the Gypsy King would fancy the fight if he loses to Usyk again is questionable.
Either way, Joshua’s perseverance deserves to be rewarded with another world title shot. What happens after that, only time will tell.
