Usyk has been removed from the IBF rankings: who has replaced the Ukrainian in the top list?
This is stated in the organisation’s updated ranking.
Why Usyk was penalised
Although the exclusion of the most decorated boxer of our time may seem scandalous, it has a clear legal basis. Oleksandr voluntarily decided to vacate his championship belts and relinquish his title, allowing other challengers to fight for the vacant crown.
As Usyk emphasised that he had no intention of hanging up his gloves, fans expected to see him at the top of the contenders’ rankings. However, the boxing federation’s strict rules allow for no exceptions – an athlete who voluntarily relinquishes the title of champion is completely removed from the current top 15.
As a result, there is not a single Ukrainian boxer left on the list of the best heavyweight boxers. Instead, third place in the updated rankings has been taken by the promising 19-year-old Briton Moses Ituma, who could climb even higher as early as August should he defeat Filip Hrgovic. Cuban Frank Sánchez has taken the top spot in the rankings, whilst Anthony Joshua rounds off the top five.
The IBF’s top 15 in the heavyweight division:
- World champion: vacant
- Frank Sanchez (Cuba)
- vacant
- Moses Itauma (Great Britain)
- Filip Hrgovic (Croatia)
- Anthony Joshua (Great Britain)
- Bahodir Jalolov (Uzbekistan)
- Tyson Fury (United Kingdom)
- Fabio Wardley (United Kingdom)
- Deontay Wilder (USA)
- Richard Riakpore (Great Britain)
- Richard Torres (USA)
- Guido Vianello (Italy)
- Justice Huni (Australia)
- Efe Ajagba (Nigeria)
- Jarrell Miller (USA)
As a reminder, British heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora (36-14, 23 KOs) spoke about his views on former undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs).
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