This Saturday, the boxing world will witness the crowning of an undisputed heavyweight champion once again as Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, and WBC titles, faces off against IBF champion Daniel Dubois in a rematch at London’s Wembley Stadium. Usyk secured a controversial ninth-round knockout victory over Dubois in their August 2023 bout, with Dubois’ team disputing the referee’s decision after a significant body shot seemed to have played a key role. Usyk later became the undisputed champion by defeating then-WBC champion Tyson Fury in a split decision. Due to IBF rules, Usyk had to engage in a mandated rematch with Fury.
Meanwhile, Dubois benefited from the IBF’s decisions, winning the interim title after Filip Hrgovic’s suspension in June 2024 and officially becoming champion when Usyk was stripped of the title. Dubois fortified his position by delivering a dramatic knockout victory against Anthony Joshua at Wembley, earning him a rematch against Usyk where he won the undisputed title without controversy. Other noteworthy fights on the London card include heavyweight contenders Lawrence O’Collie vs. Kevin Lelena and light heavyweight Daniel Lapin vs. Lewis Edmondson. Fans can find updated fight odds and watch Usyk vs. Dubois 2 via DAZN PPV for $59.99 on July 19th starting at 12:30 PM.
Fan Take: This rematch carries immense significance for hardcore fight fans as it not only settles contentious debates from their first encounter but builds the storyline for heavyweight supremacy that could redefine the division’s landscape. The outcome has the potential to influence the power dynamics in boxing and either reinforce Usyk’s dominance or showcase Dubois as a formidable new force.
