The heavyweight boxing community is abuzz with excitement for a highly anticipated rematch! Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will finally meet again on Saturday, July 19. In August 2023, Usyk defended his heavyweight title against Dubois in Wroclaw, Poland. Usyk came out on top by stopping Dubois in the ninth round. The stakes are greater than ever! With a stunning total prize money of $203 million up for grabs, this clash is more than just epic glory – it’s all about the bucks in this sport!
Oleksandr Usyk, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine and current unified heavyweight champion, became one of the greatest pound-for-pound talents of his generation. He was the champion of the AIBA World Boxing Championship in 2011. The story continues with his second career—he finally turned pro in 2013 at age 26. Usyk’s career trajectory from the cruiserweight division, where he had a constant ascension, to heavyweight in 2019. He secured this status as the undisputed heavyweight champion after defeating Tyson Fury on May 25, 2024. Shortly after that victory, he was forced to vacate one of his new collection of belts.
Daniel Dubois, currently 11 years Usyk’s junior, has quickly clocked up significantly more pro bouts in a much shorter timeframe. Having racked up 24 fights, Dubois has a dazzling record of 22 wins with 21 of those victories coming by way of knockout. He is certainly set on avenging his first bout loss to Usyk. 6, 2023 in Saudi Arabia. He’s more intent on retaking his place in the heavyweight division hierarchy.
Usyk’s Journey and Dominance
USYK HAS BECOME a modern-day boxing folk hero, his post-Soviet odyssey dotted with brilliant achievements, fiercely self-determined effort, and humble personality. He won the London Olympic Games marathon gold medal in 2012. After that historic victory, he built on his success by winning the AIBA World Boxing Championship title in 2011. He turned pro in boxing in 2013 and soon began to impose his will on the cruiserweight division. There, he continued to display his immense talent and unrelenting work ethic.
Usyk made the jump to heavyweight at the right time in 2019. That audacious move opened the door for him to snare several championships. His unbelievable performance against Tyson Fury proved beyond a shadow of doubt that he was the class of the heavyweight division. His post-fight vacating of one of his belts has added more question marks to the championship picture.
“You must teach your fighter to punch clean,” – Oleksandr Usyk
Given these hurdles, Usyk has his eyes squarely set on continuing to be the king at the summit of his sport. As for Usyk, he is a massive favorite to once again turn back Dubois’ challenge according to the top online sportsbooks.
Dubois’ Resilience and Ambition
Having settled the business of whether he has the heart to match his talent, Daniel Dubois has staked his claim as a dangerous young heavyweight. So far he’s laid them without a hitch—winning 22 of 24 contests so far. One of those defeats was to Usyk, but he is still proving himself to be a very serious contender. Admittedly, Dubois has a wealth of ring experience. He has clearly fought more pro fights than Usyk. His professional record reads 22 wins with 21 coming inside the distance.
The rematch against Usyk is much bigger than just another fight for Dubois. It’s a chance at redemption. He has openly stated his desire to turn the tables on Usyk and claims he is more prepared than ever.
“I can’t wait to put him [Usyk] to sleep,” – Daniel Dubois
Dubois promises to do a whole lot better where it counts after the first encounter. He wants to show that he is a real contender.
Pre-Fight Tensions and Expectations
As the rematch looms, tensions have been rising between the two camps. Comments from both fighters and their teams have continued to stoke the flames. Dubois’ camp has not shied away from making accusations about Usyk’s conduct during their first fight.
“The actions you did that night, you’ve heard of the Oscars? You should’ve won an Oscar,” – Don Charles
Looks like Charles’ quote draws attention to the ugly tone of the fight, for example just evoking Dubois at the defeated in their first contest. Moreover, Egis Klimas, Usyk’s manager, has vigorously fought for Usyk on charges of doping.
“Don’t call my man a cheat,” – Egis Klimas
In the meantime, Usyk is not letting the distractions get in the way of his training for the historic showdown. He minimizes the hype and platitudes before the fight and stresses how it doesn’t change his focus.
“It’s just talking. For me, it doesn’t matter,” – Oleksandr Usyk
Both fighters have the opportunity to showcase their talent on a big stage after recent appearances in opposing corners. Fans and analysts are literally buzzing with anticipation as the hive explodes!
