Definitely, but I see no reason why he wouldn't. Two legitimate top 10 guys fighting each other earns one of them the right to a rematch. It's not like there are dozens of other qualified fighters lining up to fight Wlad. Wlad usually likes to keep a busy schedule, and he'll still be able to sell out the arena even if it's a rematch against someone he already beat. The IBF is very diligent about stripping people and the like though. Pursuant to court order, they need to follow their own rules or the Department of Justice is allowed to dissolve them. It was part of a settlement when they violated RICO (the anti-organized crime law).
is it worth keeping the the titles and going through the motions though you know damn well one of them will find a reason to strip him anyway
Not if he sets a date for the fight. I've said all along that the rules should be different for unified champs. So long as he's fighting ranked contenders, and his mandatories in a timely fashion he should continue to carry their belt. The IBF should be proud that Wlad holds thier belt.....gives it some cred considering the last two IBF champs. Although he should get stripped if he takes the Fury Chisora winner over the Potvetkin/Chag winner or the Thompson/Chambers winner. Who is the #1 contender for the WBO?
atsch IBF is brain dead. He already knocked both men out, why is the winner going to be a mandatory, ahead of Arreola or Helenious?
