Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has made a surprising prediction for the upcoming IBF title clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. 

After beating Tyson Fury by unanimous decision back in May, Usyk was crowned the new undisputed champion, with all four belts – WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF – in his possession. But last month, he had to give up the IBF belt due to a rule, and Dubois was named the new IBF champion. It is this belt that would be on the line when Dubois faces Joshua in September.  

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Usyk gave his prediction, backing Joshua for the win: “I think it’s AJ. I respect both of these guys, but I predict Anthony.”

Usyk’s decision to vacate his IBF title comes after he agreed to a December rematch with Tyson Fury. The development means Fury will not be undisputed champion if he manages to beat Usyk, which could be a big let down, especially since he triggered the rematch clause while Usyk still had all four titles. 

So Usyk is now back to being a three-belt champion, as he was earlier this year. The only difference is while he had the IBF belt in his possession before, he now has the WBC title in its stead. 

When asked how he felt about giving up the IBF title so early, Usyk said it was a good move, so long it benefitted the sport as a whole: “It’s good. IBF does not take my belt, I give my belt for Anthony Joshua and Dubois. Because for me, it’s important that my sport, boxing, develops.”

Interestingly, Usyk has a history with both Joshua and Dubois. He beat Joshua to become a unified heavyweight world champion in 2021 and retained the titles in a rematch the following year, winning both fights via points decisions. Dubois, on the other hand, was stopped in the ninth round when he challenged Usyk for his belts in 2023.