Tyson Fury may still get the chance to call himself an undisputed heavyweight champion if he wins his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk later this year as the IBF are reportedly willing to make an exception.
The blockbuster bout last week was the first time all four major heavyweight belts were on the line this century.
Usyk came out on top in an enthralling contest after Fury had dominated the early rounds before the Ukrainian fought back to turn the clash on its head.
The turning point came in the ninth round when Usyk caught Fury with a devastating left hook that dropped his opponent to the bottom rope.
The bell saved Fury from the count, but it proved pivotal in the end as Usyk won the match in a split-points decision.
Tyson Fury was nearly knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk
GETTY
Usyk was handed the undisputed belt as well as Fury's WBC crown to make sure of his place in history among the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
Reports heading into the fight suggested that it would be the only chance for either fighter to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world with the IBF wanting its belt back in circulation.
Filip Hrgovic is the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt and it was suggested that Usyk would need to give up the belt before his rematch with Fury.
However, World Boxing News suggest there is now a growing chance the rematch between Usyk and Fury could still be another undisputed clash if an agreement can be made.
IBF president Darryl Peoples has given some encouragement to suggest they will grant an exception request from Usyk.
It's claimed that 'special conditions will likely be applied' if the exception is granted.
The report suggests that Usyk may be forced by the IBF to face the winner of Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois, who face off later this summer.
The news will also be a huge boost for Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh, who will want the rematch to be just as much as a success as the first fight.
He took to social media this week to share details on viewing figures for the fight from around the world.
The clash was said to have attracted more than 550 million views across 137 different countries.
Tyson Fury wants the rematch against Oleksandr Usyk
REUTERS
Frank Warren confirmed this week that Fury will activate the rematch clause to try and get revenge on Usyk.
"There will be a rematch," he said. "I think it will be better than the original fight.
"They both know each other, they've shared the ring and they'll be looking to use what they've gained from the fight as an advantage to beat their opponent."
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Oleksandr Usyk holds all the major heavyweight belts
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He added: "Fury wants to win and he's got to win.
"He's only asking for the rematch because he thinks he can win.
"He believes in himself and it would cement his legacy. Everyone out there thinks Usyk is the best out there so let's see what Tyson does.
"He rang me and he said he wants the rematch so here we are."