Oleksandr Usyk has predicted his successor as IBF heavyweight champion of the world, tipping Anthony Joshua to beat Daniel Dubois

After defeating Tyson Fury (not seen) in the battle for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Undisputed Heavyweight belts, Oleksandr Usyk addresses to the media at a post-fight press conference held at Kingdom Arena on May 18, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, has backed Anthony Joshua to win the IBF world title clash against Daniel Dubois in September.

In addition to giving up the title he had been defending by defeating Tyson Fury via split decision in May, the Ukrainian also has a special message for “The Gipsy King” before their fight in December.

Usyk responded to Fury’s Instagram account, briefly becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, putting his winner “on notice” months before their rematch.

The 37-year-old, however, thinks Joshua will prevail in the fight of the British before that WBC rematch to the “Ring of Fire,” which is scheduled for December 21.

“AJ, I believe,” Usyk said to Sky News. “I think Anthony will win, but I respect both of these guys.”

And Usyk stated it was “wonderful” for the sport when the IBF stripped him of his title since the unified king had not challenged Dubois, the organization’s mandated next opponent.

Usyk went on: “It works well. I donate my belt to Anthony Joshua and Dubois; the IBF does not take it.”For me, it’s crucial that boxing, my sport, grows. Okay, so what happens if I take four belts? I possess four. I have to stand up for IBF. It’s not feasible right now because we have a rematch.”Alright, no issue. It’s beneficial when certain athletes wear belts. It’s good for me. It’s excellent for boxing.”

Rather, the 37-year-old is entirely focused on his conflict with Fury, who on Wednesday called out “The Cat” on social media.

“Just had a wonderful little run in the Bay with the fellas, working away, chipping away nicely,” Fury wrote on Instagram. December 21: Usyk, you have been warned. Come on, please!”

However, in keeping with the fighter’s current relaxed attitude, Usyk just made a small joke about the Brit’s eating habits in his response to his “friend” Fury.

The winner wrote on Instagram, saying, “Hey, my friend, hungry belly, keep working out. I’m sleeping, my brother. I am aware of how hard you work. It’s excellent. Thank you very much. I’m quite grateful, gluttony belly. You have my friendship.”

Usyk’s kindness has not only been shown to his opponents but also to his fellow countrymen competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

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