The 37-year-old Ukrainian defeated Tyson Fury in a split decision last month in Saudi Arabia to become the first heavyweight champion to hold the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC titles.

Currently signed to a rematch with Britain’s Fury, Usyk is unable to defend the IBF title against Daniel Dubois, the mandatory challenger and interim champion.

Thus, the anticipated September bout between Dubois and Anthony Joshua at Wembley might suddenly be for the vacant belt.

“Anthony and Daniel, listen,” Usyk stated in a social media video. You care about the IBF title, I know that. It is my September 21st gift to you.

Before Usyk in 1999, the last fighter to unify all three of the main heavyweight championships was Lennox Lewis of Britain.

AFP