Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2: WBC will support the next “sensational” Undisputed Heavyweight fight for the rematch winner

The heavyweight division is on the brink of a historic moment as Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury prepare for a highly anticipated rematch. Usyk, a former undisputed champion, and Fury, a former WBC titleholder, are set to clash once again with the potential for a major title unification. The World Boxing Council (WBC) has made it clear that it will not interfere with the winner’s opportunity to face IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in a fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown. Here’s everything you need to know about this potential showdown and the WBC’s role in shaping it.

The Path to an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

In May of this year, Oleksandr Usyk made history by becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, unifying the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles after defeating Tyson Fury. However, Usyk’s reign was short-lived. By September, he had to delay his IBF title defense to prepare for the highly anticipated December 21 rematch with Fury. As a result, Daniel Dubois, previously an interim IBF titlist, was elevated to full champion status.

Despite this change in the rankings, the WBC is strongly supportive of continuing the unification process. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has made it clear that, should the Usyk-Fury rematch occur as planned, the winner will have the opportunity to face Daniel Dubois in 2025 for the undisputed heavyweight title—without facing any immediate mandatory defenses for the WBC title.

WBC’s Strong Support for Unification Fights

Mauricio Sulaiman has long been an advocate for undisputed champions and unification bouts in boxing. He has emphasized that the WBC’s role is to facilitate the best possible matchups in the sport, and the potential fight between Usyk, Fury, and Dubois fits this vision perfectly. He noted, “We are not promoters, so we cannot promote fights. However, we at the WBC are extremely supportive of unification fights and undisputed champions.”

Sulaiman expressed his excitement for the Usyk vs. Fury rematch, adding, “I would love to see Dubois fight the winner. Without a doubt, that fight is sensational.” The WBC is committed to ensuring that the heavyweight division remains active and competitive, allowing the best fighters to face each other in the pursuit of the sport’s most prestigious titles.

Why the WBC is Avoiding a Mandatory Title Defense

While the WBC typically enforces mandatory defenses for titleholders, Sulaiman emphasized that it would not impose such an obligation on the winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch. The reasoning is simple: the current matchup between Usyk and Fury is of the highest significance, and no other challenger is more deserving of a title shot at the moment.

“At this moment, there is no greater fight than Usyk, the champion, against Fury, the former champion. Simple as that,” Sulaiman said. By allowing the winner to focus on a potential showdown with Dubois, the WBC is ensuring that the heavyweight division remains in the spotlight and that the undisputed title fight remains the top priority.

The Thriving Heavyweight Division

Sulaiman also highlighted that the heavyweight division is currently thriving, with many top fighters staying active in the ring. For example, several heavyweights participated in high-profile bouts during the recent Riyadh season, underscoring the continued excitement surrounding the division. The WBC president pointed out that the matchup between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is of enormous importance, and the WBC is committed to supporting such high-stakes fights.

“The reason for the organization to exist is to give boxing the best fights possible,” Sulaiman said. By facilitating the potential undisputed title fight between the Usyk-Fury winner and Dubois, the WBC is playing a key role in ensuring that boxing fans will witness one of the sport’s most significant bouts in the near future.

The Future of Heavyweight Boxing

As 2024 approaches, the heavyweight division is set to take center stage once again. The Usyk vs. Fury rematch will be a pivotal moment for the division, and the potential for an undisputed heavyweight championship will excite boxing fans worldwide. Sulaiman’s comments reflect the WBC’s commitment to facilitating world-class boxing matchups that highlight the sport’s best talent.

With the WBC’s unwavering support for unification bouts and undisputed champions, the heavyweight division is primed for even more thrilling moments. Fans will be eagerly watching as the Usyk-Fury rematch unfolds and anticipating the potential undisputed title showdown with Daniel Dubois in the future. The WBC’s dedication to providing epic boxing events ensures that heavyweight boxing is entering a golden era, full of exciting matchups and historic milestones.