The American reacted to Usik’s refusal of the IBF championship belt
WBO Light Welterweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez commented on the refusal of the Ukrainian Alexandra Usika from the championship belt according to version IBF in the heavyweight division.
“They gave up the title because they don’t need mandatory challengers that nobody knows at this weight class right now. It’s a business, as I said before. You can give up the titles of these sanctioning bodies.”
“I should have done it with George Kambosos. After several postponements, I should have just given up the damn belt. Then everyone else’s plans would have gone down the drain. Devin Haney would never have become the undisputed champion of the world. At least not so quickly,” Teofimo concluded.
The other day, Usyk made an appeal in which he stated that he was giving the IBF belt to the winner of the British derby between his two former opponents in the ring – Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua. Thus, Alexander lost the status of absolute world heavyweight champion, which he had held for more than a month.
As a result, Dubois, who previously held the IBF “interim” belt, became its owner on a full basis. The fight against Joshua, which will take place on September 21 in London, will be Daniel’s first official defense of this title.
Let us remember that on the night of May 19, Usik inflicted the first defeat in his professional career on Tyson Fury in a fight that took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The victory was awarded to the Ukrainian by a split decision: 115-112, 113-114 and 114-113.
Alexander became the first absolute world heavyweight champion in the era of four belts. In the heavyweight division, the last time Lennox Lewis held absolute status was in 1999, but then three titles were enough for this title.
An agreement has been concluded between Usik and Fury for a re-fight. The “Gypsy King” has officially activated the rematch option. The second fight between Alexander and Tyson will take place on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
Teofimo Lopez retained his WBO junior welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Jemaine Ortiz in February. The American will make his next title defense on June 29 in Miami. His opponent will be Canadian Steve Claggett.
Source: Sportarena
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
