The IBF Officially Upgrades Daniel Dubois To Full HW Champion

Today was full of announcements as Riyadh Season will host an event at Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom. Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) will face Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) for the IBF heavyweight title on September 21. Just 24 hours before the press conference, unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) posted a video about his status with regard to the IBF and presented this opportunity for Joshua and Dubois as “a present.” Shortly after the press conference, the IBF sent a press release announcing the move to make Dubois the full champion and his fight with Joshua as an IBF title fight.

Here is what the IBF sent out:

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, IBF President Daryl Peoples received notification that Oleksandr Usyk was relinquishing his IBF World Heavyweight Title. Usyk conveyed his gratitude to the IBF, especially for having the opportunity to become the Undisputed Champion in two weight divisions. The IBF was honored to have Oleksandr Usyk as its champion and wishes him continued success.

Daniel Dubois, former IBF Interim World Heavyweight Champion, was sent notice on June 26 that he is recognized as the organization’s World Heavyweight Champion effective immediately. The IBF has received the request for Dubois’ first defense of the Heavyweight title to be against Anthony Joshua.

Joshua now has the opportunity to become a three-time heavyweight champion. If Fury wins the rematch against Usyk in December, it sets the stage for the biggest fight in UK history. Before we get ahead of ourselves, the Dubois fight comes first, and it won’t be easy for Joshua, so all eyes will be on that fight.