Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undisputed rematch ruled out after major call
A rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk would reportedly not be for the status of undisputed heavyweight champion, due to a key ruling by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) this week. It was announced last week that WBC champion Fury and Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts, will box each other in Saudi Arabia – likely before the end of March. ESPN reported this week that the contract for the fight, which is set to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 20 years, includes a two-way rematch clause. Therefore, the loser, whoever that may be, can ensure a second bout against the winner without having to fight a different opponent first. However, the IBF has ruled that the winner of Fury vs Usyk must box mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic before any rematch takes place, per ESPN. Otherwise, the winner of Fury vs Usyk will be stripped of the IBF belt, and their rematch will only be for the remaining belts. Croatian Hrgovic, who holds an unbeaten record, told ESPN: “The IBF wrote that if I won my last fight and if Usyk beat [Daniel] Dubois, the IBF would enforce my mandatory status to fight Usyk for the title. “The IBF has now allowed Tyson Fury and Usyk to do a unification first. The winner of that fight is mandated to fight me immediately after, with no other intervening fight, so I expect to fight for the heavyweight championship early next year. “I’m disappointed at the delay, but I will stay ready, and I won’t let it distract me from my goal of winning the title. Whether against Usyk or Fury, my time is coming.” Ukrainian Usyk, 36, retained his titles with a stoppage win over Dubois in August, after climbing off the canvas following a controversial low blow, which many viewers believed was a legal body shot by Dubois. Dubois’s promoter Frank Warren, who also promotes Fury, lobbied for a rematch but to no avail so far. Meanwhile, Briton Fury has not fought since December, when he retained the WBC title against Derek Chisora, whom he had already beaten twice before. Fury, 35, is set to fight former UFC champion Francis Ngannou next, facing the mixed martial artist in a boxing match in Saudi Arabia on 28 October. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Tyson Fury contacts cruiserweight champion for help before Oleksandr Usyk showdown Tommy Fury explains why he has ‘never been fan’ of KSI ahead of crunch boxing match Let’s get ready to rumble! Inside the ropes with boxing’s ring announcers
1970-01-01 08:00
Ireland faces stern Scotland test at Rugby World Cup. England and Wales prepare for quarters
Top-ranked Ireland is favored to win the Rugby World Cup in France
1970-01-01 08:00
Manchester United vs Arsenal LIVE: Women’s Super League team news, line-ups and more as Alessia Russo starts
Manchester United will host Arsenal in the second round of fixtures in the Women’s Super League at the Leigh Sports Village on Friday 6 October. Arsenal suffered a shock home defeat to Liverpool in the first WSL game last weekend, after failing to reach the group stages of the Champions League last month. It has been a rocky start to the season for Jonas Eidevall’s side, despite the talisman signing of Alessia Russo from Manchester United in the summer transfer window. Manchester United - under Marc Skinner - won their first match against Aston Villa 2-1. Follow all the action from the clash at Leigh Sports Village here: Read More Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract Arsenal break Women’s Super League record – but suffer shock Liverpool defeat Manchester United claim WSL victory with last-gasp goal against 10-player Aston Villa
1970-01-01 08:00
Deandre Ayton is embracing a fresh start with the Trail Blazers
Deandre Ayton came to the Trail Blazers in a three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks
1970-01-01 08:00
Baltimore's Kyle Bradish starting Game 1 of ALDS against Texas, Grayson Rodriguez set for Game 2
The Baltimore Orioles are starting Kyle Bradish in Game 1 of the AL Division Series against Texas on Saturday
1970-01-01 08:00
Matteo Darmain FC 24 Challenges: How to Complete the Road to the Knockouts Objective
Matteo Darmian FC 24 challenges detailed for the Road to the Knockouts objective set. Here's how to complete each objective.
1970-01-01 08:00
Jonathan David FC 24: How to Complete the Road to the Knockouts SBC
Jonathan David FC 24 Road to the Knockouts SBC is now live requiring three segments to complete. Here's how to complete the SBC and if it's worth it.
1970-01-01 08:00
Dolphins place veteran LT Terron Armstead on IR with knee injury
Coach Mike McDaniel has confirmed that the Dolphins are placing veteran left tackle Terron Armstead on injured reserve because of a knee injury he suffered in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills
1970-01-01 08:00
Jets cornerback D.J. Reed will sit out against the Broncos with a concussion
New York Jets cornerback D
1970-01-01 08:00
Sancet only newcomer in Spain squad for European qualifiers against Scotland and Norway
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has made few changes to his squad that will face Scotland and Norway in upcoming European Championship qualifiers
1970-01-01 08:00
The Jaguars expect to have three offensive pieces back in the lineup against the Bills in London
The Jacksonville Jaguars expect to have three key offensive players back for their second of back-to-back games in London
1970-01-01 08:00
The Jack Hughes-led Devils have taken the next step and are a serious contender for the Stanley Cup
There is a buzz surrounding the New Jersey Devils this season
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