ALMOST two years on from their controversial first encounter, it seems as though Oleksandr Usyk, 23-0 (14 KOs), and Daniel Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), are set to collide for a second time. A meeting at Wembley Stadium in July is now being touted. On social media, the news received a mixed response.
Dubois challenged for Usyk’s unified heavyweight titles in Poland back in August 2023 and famously floored the undefeated Ukrainian for almost four minutes. The punch landed, however, was deemed by the referee to have been a low-blow, although some viewers, and certainly Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren, felt otherwise.
Usyk went on to score a ninth-round knockout victory over ‘Triple D’ before twice defeating Tyson Fury to first claim the undisputed heavyweight crown. He went on to defend the unified titles after vacating the IBF strap, which was picked up by Dubois and later defended against Anthony Joshua.
Now, Usyk could become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion by trumping Dubois for a second time, following today’s news that negotiations are close to being finalised. Still, the improvements in quality and confidence for Daniel should serve as a warning to the unbeaten southpaw that a repeat victory will be no walk in the park.
On social media, fans responded to the rumours and questioned the sincerity of Dubois’ decision to withdraw from his scheduled February meeting with Joseph Parker, 36-3 (24 KOs), due to illness. Some insinuated that the IBF champion opted not to risk his heavyweight marble ahead of the opportunity to face Usyk for all four titles in the summer.
Meanwhile, others looked ahead to the rematch, believing this to be an opportunity for a resurgent Dubois to right the supposed wrongs of their initial clash and claim vengeance for that borderline low blow that could have had a phenomenal butterfly effect if ruled otherwise.
However, the overwhelming feedback from fight fans was that Parker should have been the offered the shot at Usyk, given the fact that he is the WBO mandatory challenger and interim champion. Also, that he was not the man to have pulled out of his world title challenge against Dubois six weeks ago. Parker went on to demolish late-sub Martin Bakole in just two rounds in a statement win.
With support growing for Parker’s cause, it will be intriguing to see the developments in the coming months and whether the New Zealander could get a shot at Usyk and the undisputed throne in the fight that follows, if the 38-year-old pound-for-pound legend comes through unscathed.
X user Owen Morris added: “Sidestepping @joeboxerparker and being rewarded with a rematch against a fella who beat him convincingly? What a joke.”
If Dubois were to pull off the upset at Wembley, there is every chance that Usyk would opt for a trilogy showdown with the hard-hitting Brit in what would likely be his final professional contest.
