Daniel Dubois is gearing up for a high-stakes rematch against Oleksandr Usyk and, ahead of the first bell, has reflected on the Ukrainian’s power.
The upcoming fight takes place at Wembley Stadium on July 19 and looks to settle the controversy from their first encounter in 2023. In August of that year, Dubois landed a shot, judged low by the referee, that hurt Usyk. The Ukrainian was given ample time to recover and went on to score a ninth-round stoppage. The Brit’s team have always contested the low blow decision, believing they should have been awarded a knockdown and perhaps even a knockout had the champion failed to rise.
Usyk would go on to beat Tyson Fury to become the undisputed champion before vacating the IBF belt to honour a rematch.
Dubois picked up the belt and defended against Anthony Joshua with a stoppage back in September last year. That was his last fight, having had to pull out of a February bout with Joseph Parker due to illness. He now faces off with Usyk once more to crown for his chance at undisputed.
Speaking to TNT Sports Boxing, Dubois – who was criticised by some for the way the fight ended – was asked if Usyk hits hard or if the speed of his shots is the real problem.
“Speed, I guess. I don’t know. Everyone at that level is a good heavyweight, so speed and me and the condition I was in as well.”
Both fighters will take plenty of confidence into the fight, though Dubois is the much younger man at 27. For Usyk, it is a chance to make more history before retirement.
