Once again, he is eager to dispatch Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), after securing a ninth-round stoppage victory over the now IBF titlist back in 2023.
But when the pair square off at Wembley Stadium, London, a vastly different version of ‘Dynamite’ is likely to enter the ring.
For that reason, Dubois has eluded Boxing News’ list for Usyk’s five-greatest victories – for now, at least – with the competition for a coveted place remaining incredibly stiff.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Murat Gassiev
Prior to their clash in 2018, Murat Gassiev was known, to an almost chilling degree, as one of boxing’s most monstrous punchers.
The Russian cruiserweight world champion had, after all, just come off a pulverizing 12th-round finish over top contender Yuniel Dorticos.
And yet, despite his formidable reputation, Gassiev, 31-2 (24 KOs), was made to look painfully basic against the far superior technical prowess of Usyk, 23-0 (14 KOs).
Adopting a typically seamless approach, Usyk simply tied his more static opponent up in knots and, even with their fight taking place in Russia, barely lost a round before claiming his undisputed crown.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Mairis Briedis
Much like before most of his fights, it seems, Usyk was considered by many to be a slight underdog heading into his unification with Mairis Briedis.
While the pair were evenly-matched on paper, a home advantage for Briedis, 28-3 (20 KOs), formed a compelling case that he would come away with titles in 2018.
But while their chess match was fiercely contested from start to finish, Usyk ultimately did just enough to edge a razor-thin majority decision in Latvia.
In doing so, the slick southpaw proved once again that, even when entering a hostile environment on away soil, he possesses both the mental and physical fortitude to emerge victorious.
Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk
While some will argue that Usyk’s cruiserweight success remains far more impressive, it is important to remind ourselves just how much of a disadvantage he is forced to contend with at heavyweight.
Against Anthony Joshua, the narrative throughout their build-up was that size would play an enormous factor come fight night.
That, however, could not have been further from the truth, as Usyk put on what could only be described as a boxing clinic in 2021.
Rather astonishingly, the smaller combatant even hurt Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs), on the rare occasion, before cementing his richly-deserved unanimous decision victory with a relentless surge down the stretch.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
During their early exchanges, it appeared that Usyk would soon be forced to accept the harsh reality that boxing has weight divisions for a reason.
Too often, it seemed, ‘The Cat’ found himself getting bullied by Tyson Fury, whose towering frame proved both imposing and elusive when the pair collided last year.
But then, almost as if from out of nowhere, Usyk pulled a rabbit out the hat and began to shift the momentum of their undisputed heavyweight encounter in his favour.
A ninth-round standing count then saw him restore a degree of control, before his remarkable engine and dogged desire to win did the rest.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2
While his first fight with Fury, 34-2-1 (24 KOs), delivered a dramatic, high-octane spectacle, Usyk made sure to present his opponent with far fewer openings in their rematch.
In the space of just over seven months, it was clear that the 38-year-old had carefully constructed a game plan which, more than anything else, was orchestrated around a simple but effective concept: Hitting and not getting hit.
A greater degree of familiarity with ‘The Gypsy King,’ too, only enhanced his success, as with fewer mistakes and more opportunities for counters, it was only a matter of time before Usyk claimed a comfortable unanimous decision victory.
