Undefeated Usyk faces revenge-seeking Dubois on July 19th

The heavyweight boxing landscape is poised for a monumental clash on July 19th, as London's iconic Wembley Stadium opens its doors for a high-stakes rematch for the undisputed world championship. At the centre of this colossal event are two fighters with compelling, albeit different, career trajectories: the masterful Ukrainian, Oleksandr Usyk, and the powerful British challenger, Daniel Dubois. This bout is not merely about belts; it's a narrative steeped in revenge for Dubois and a quest for continued historical dominance for the undefeated Usyk, who returns to a hunting ground where he has frequently triumphed over British opposition.

Oleksandr Usyk, aged 38, enters this contest with a pristine professional record of 23 wins and 0 losses. His journey to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division is remarkable, having previously been the undisputed cruiserweight champion before moving up in weight. His place in boxing history was cemented in May 2024 when he defeated Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

Usyk's victories showcase a blend of technical brilliance, ring IQ, and deceptive power, with 61% of his 23 wins coming by knockout. Furthermore, Usyk has developed a notable record against British fighters, with an impressive seven of his last eight victories having come against boxers from the United Kingdom, making his return to Wembley against another Brit a fitting chapter in his career.

His opponent, the 27-year-old Daniel Dubois, holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title. Dubois was elevated to IBF champion status after Usyk vacated the belt prior to his rematch with Tyson Fury. Dubois successfully defended this title in a significant bout last September, stopping his compatriot Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium – a performance that propelled him back into the spotlight and demonstrated his devastating punching power.

Dubois's professional record stands at 22 wins and 2 losses. While his knockout ratio is exceptionally high, with a staggering 95% of his 22 victories coming by way of knockout, his two career defeats are particularly telling, as both have come via stoppage. His first professional loss was in 2020 against Joe Joyce, where he was defeated by knockout. His second loss occurred in August 2023, in his initial encounter with Oleksandr Usyk in Poland, a fight that Usyk won by ninth-round knockout.

It is this previous meeting that adds a significant layer of intrigue and motivation to the upcoming rematch. The first fight was not without controversy, as Dubois and his team firmly believe a body shot that floored Usyk was legal and should have resulted in a knockdown, potentially altering the course of the fight. Dubois has been vocal about this, stating his desire for revenge and his conviction that he should have emerged victorious the first time around.

"This is the fight I wanted and demanded and now I get my chance for revenge," said Dubois. "I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee, so I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city. I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself."

Usyk, ever the composed champion, acknowledges Dubois's current status and the opportunity before them. "I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship," said Usyk. Thanking Dubois for holding the IBF belt, he added, "now I want it back."

The rematch represents a full-circle moment for Dubois, particularly returning to Wembley where he achieved a career-defining win against Joshua after the mental fortitude called into question following his loss to Usyk. He aims to replicate that performance and prove he can overcome the elite level of opposition.

Usyk's fantastic record against Brits!

Dubois's challenge against Usyk is seen by some as taking on another member of the sport's "old guard," despite the eleven-year age difference between the two fighters. However, Usyk's exceptional pedigree and consistent performance against top heavyweights, including his record against British boxers, position him as the clear favourite heading into this encounter.

For British boxing, the fight holds historical significance. No British boxer has held the undisputed heavyweight title in the four-belt era, with Lennox Lewis being the last Briton to be undisputed champion back in 1999 (in the three-belt era). Dubois has the chance to etch his name into the history books on home soil.

The stage is set for a captivating night at Wembley. Daniel Dubois brings concussive knockout power and a burning desire for redemption, aiming to banish the demons of his previous loss to Usyk. Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated, technically brilliant champion, seeks to maintain his perfect record, reclaim the IBF belt, and extend his dominance over British heavyweights. The clash of styles, the history between the two, and the undisputed title on the line promise a truly unmissable event.