"I'll Thank Him in the Rematch." Joshua and Dubois on Usyk's Gift

Former champion Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) and IBF heavyweight titleholder Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) commented on WBA, WBC, and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk's (22-0, 14 KOs) decision to vacate the IBF belt.

"The IBF title is on the line. It's good that the IBF is doing this. Daniel is the reigning champion. I've been called to come and do my job. The IBF will do what it intends to do. I think the problem is that Usyk had a mandatory rematch (on December 21 against Tyson Fury – editor's note), but the IBF says he must defend his title, right? If you can't defend your belt, they'll take it away. That's practically boxing basics. I'm next in line. I think when I fought Otto Wallin, it was to get me into contention for the title," Joshua told The Stomping Ground.

Daniel Dubois mentioned that he would have preferred to win the title in the ring but isn't too upset.

"I would have liked to win the belt in the ring before a big crowd, but here we are. Actually, I wasn't too worried about it – I'm glad the title is mine. It's a formality – if you keep winning, you'll get these titles. Belts are great, but every fight at this level is equivalent to a championship fight. I saw the news online that Usyk vacated the title. It made me feel positive. I'll thank him in the rematch," Dubois said.

Let's recall that Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt, and interim champion Dubois was declared the full IBF heavyweight champion.

The fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will take place on September 21 at Wembley Stadium in London, UK. Oleksandr Usyk will have a rematch against Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) on December 21.