OLEKSANDR Usyk will defend his WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight world titles against IBF champion Daniel Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), it was confirmed today. On July 19 in Wembley, Usyk, 23-0 (14 KOs), goes over old ground against the man he defeated in Poland by ninth-round knockout, back in 2023.
Usually, rematching an opponent who had already been dominated for much of their first encounter would be pointless. However, water has travelled under the bridge since that night and Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren has made a splash over the controversy of a round five “low blow”.
Since that evening’s events, Usyk has gone on to twice defeat Dubois’ fellow countryman Tyson Fury in back-to-back Riyadh victories. Dubois, meanwhile, has been on a three-fight winning streak, which saw him stop Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and then Anthony Joshua to pick up the IBF crown Usyk had dropped.
“I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship,” said Oleksandr Usyk. “Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt – now I want it back.”
“This is the fight I wanted and demanded and now I get my chance for revenge against Oleksandr Usyk,” 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 on July 19. I would like to thank my promoter Frank for making this happen for me and I intend to repay him by becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
Now they will settle any possible scores with this London return fixture. Dubois was set to meet Joseph Parker on February 22 but pulled out during fight week. Parker went on to dismiss late substitute Martin Bakole in two rounds.
