Who will be the lineal HW champion if Usyk retires undefeated?

Whoever establishes the new lineage. I think most people are hoping for Itauma, but the truth is, we don't know.

 

Moses Itauma... calling it now.

 

The last time, it 'fell', was to Wlad, and that took over 5 years to be recognised. So, if Moses realises the potential, you'd think he'd be next.

 

Whoever can unify the most titles I imagine.

 

I'm guessing if someone wins a unification they may be considered the top man in the division
We know that we have 3 belt holders
It may even be a belt holder defends against a top contender with the vacant ibf title on the line

 

Dubois won his title in the ring, so I guess you could argue he has the best claim to establishing a new one if Usyk retires?

 

There won’t be one until #1 and #2 square off(after Usyk retires). That’s Kabayel and Dubois now, but It can change in a heartbeat.

 

Opetaia will take the Lineal crown from Usyk while he's at Zuffa. Then anyone wanting to fight for it will need to talk to the MMA bloke.

That's been the plan all along.

 

Opetaia isn't beating Usyk. They're not even in the same weight class.

 

Itauma will be fast tracked

 

Typical example that lineal champion is a myth. It's an impossibility, can that terminology for Universally Recognised. The Man didn't beat the Man.

 

I think Opetaia can do what the British heavyweights have had ample opportunity to do but couldn't. Beat Usyk.

As for them not being in the same weight class, they were at the Olympics in 2012 & Opetaia was only 17 at the time.

I don't think the MMA bloke would have a problem giving his Cruiserweight champ a shot at the Heavyweight throne. It's not like it hasn't happened before.