The first fight between heavyweights Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois was one that included controversy. Now the highly anticipated rematch is set for July 19th in the historic Wembley Stadium in London, England, airing exclusively on DAZN PPV.
83,000 tickets have already been sold for the rematch between IBF heavyweight champion Dubois (22-2, 21 KO’s) and WBA, WBC, and WBO undefeated champion Usyk (23-0, 14 KO’s), where Dubois is heavily considered the underdog.
The Controversy
In their first encounter, Dubois dropped Usyk in the 5th round with a shot the referee considered a low blow; Usyk was given several minutes to recover. A decision that sparked a widespread debate among boxing fans on social media and boxing forums. Whether it was actually a legal blow or indeed a low blow, many claimed Usyk should have lost to what they believed was actually a clean body shot.
“Dynamite” Power
Many fans believe Dubois is capable of beating Usyk in the rematch. They are certain Usyk can be vulnerable to Dubois’ powerful thudding shots, placed elsewhere without controversy. Adding to their belief is Dubois’ youth and freshness. At 27 years old, he is a decade younger and is not as battle-worn as the 38-year-old Usyk.
Battle-Worn
There is widespread belief the grueling back-to-back bouts against Fury have put a significant amount of miles on Usyk’s clock and aged him significantly. There is question about how much he has left given the wear.
A Classic Matchup
Although they’ve fought once before and already acquainted with each other, this is still a classic matchup of an experienced veteran with an elite ring IQ forged through many battles (extensive amateur pedigree included), against a less experienced, fresher contender with the essence of youth on his side.
Dubois will look to put the controversy to rest and secure a clear, legitimate victory over Usyk. As Floyd Mayweather would say, “he’s a young, hungry lion”, eager to seize the throne of undisputed.
Usyk vs Dubois
Before the “low blow” during their first encounter, Usyk was dominating the fight with his in and out defensively responsible approach that clearly frustrated Dubois. One second he stood in front of Dubois, throwing but never quite trading, the next he was out of range or at a different angle entirely.
Ultimately, Dubois is considered by many fans to have quit on the 9th when he appeared to have refused to beat the count after taking a knee from a stiff jab by Usyk.
Dubois’ Winning Streak
Dubois is coming off a three-victory streak since what his team believes is a “controversial” loss to Usyk back in 2023 due to the low blow. He secured victories over Jarrel Miller, Filip Hrgović, and Anthony Joshua, most notably acquiring the IBF interim heavyweight title against Hrgovic via 8th round TKO, and stopping the former two-time unified champion Joshua in the fifth round.
vs Filip Hrgović
Against Hrgović, Dubois would occasionally get the better of their constant firefight exchanges, but a game Hrgović would retaliate and land significant shots of his own that would startle Dubois. Very minimal defense was on display from both fighters. Hrgović gases out in the 6th round to a Dubois that hasn’t lost a step and manages to survive with an impressive chin, eating one clean shot after another. The referee pulled him aside for the ringside doctor to examine him since he was bleeding profusely from multiple cuts; the fight was ruled a TKO. Dubois effectively becomes the new IBF interim heavyweight title holder.
vs Anthony Joshua
Dubois’ most recent fight against Joshua was largely one sided, except for a few significant punches by Joshua where a resilient Dubois remained in control, unfazed and capitalized off of Joshua’s reckless approach. He defended himself patiently and fired back during the openings where Joshua constantly left his hands down, whether he was pressing forward or on the back foot. It was a rough night for Joshua in where he was folded repeatedly in a hurry, like fresh laundry before guests arrive, until the eventual stoppage in the 5th round when he failed to beat the count.
Battle-Tested
In essence, Dubois enters the rematch more experienced, confident, and battle-tested. Usyk too remains sharp, coming off two consecutive decision victories over Fury, including becoming undisputed champion in their first fight. The difference between the two is the more experience you have, the more marginal the improvements, so in theory, we will see a significantly improved Dubois compared to a less pronounced difference in Usyk.
Father Time?
This is also an older Usyk and there is ample speculation on just how big of a role this factor will play in the matchup. At 38, Usyk may not be the same fighter he was even two years ago, in boxing terms, for a fighter who is of his age, this timeline is a significant difference.
What’s at Stake
Can Dubois right what many believed was a wrong? And become undisputed heavyweight champion? Or will the humble tactician and former undisputed king Usyk become two time undisputed?