The President of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Daryl Peoples, explained why Oleksandr Usyk might not be stripped of his title after the fight with Fury, as has been repeatedly mentioned.
«The rule is this: your contract cannot have a clause guaranteeing you a rematch that interferes with a mandatory defense. This is no secret to promoters. Anyone with any knowledge of the sport knows the consequences of having these clauses. We’ve been down this road before.
Regarding IBF rules, any reigning champion can request an exception. Any reigning champion can request an exception to any IBF rule,» Peoples explained.
- Can Usyk request the IBF to sanction a rematch with the title of undisputed champion on the line?
- They have the right to do so.
- Why hasn't he done it?
- I don’t know.
- So, will the Hrgović-Dubois fight be for the vacant IBF title?
- I don’t know. As of now, the Hrgović-Dubois fight isn’t for any title. I’m sure there are people making decisions behind the scenes before they come to me with anything,» said Peoples.
It is also known that the IBF cannot discuss or arrange any financial amount necessary for another step-aside fee for Hrgović. This matter will have to be resolved by Usyk's and Filip's representatives.