IBF heavyweight champion, Daniel Dubois is currently in discussions with Oleksandr Usyk for a highly anticipated rematch. The bout, which could potentially take place at Wembley Stadium in London, would be a fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. Dubois, would also be seeking to avenge his loss to Usyk in their first encounter in August 2023.
The British boxer’s journey to this point has not been as sweet. His recent withdrawal from a title defense against Joseph Parker due to illness, while unfortunate, has not deterred him from setting his sights on the biggest prize in boxing.
He’s been vocal about his desire for a rematch with Usyk, whom he believes he was unfairly denied victory against in their first fight. The controversy surrounding that bout, where a blow from Dubois was ruled a low blow, allowing Usyk time to recover, still lingers, and Dubois is determined to prove himself in a second encounter.
Dubois has had a remarkable run in recent years, with notable victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgović, and most impressively, Anthony Joshua.
Usyk, on the other hand, remains undefeated in 23 fights, having successfully defended his titles against Tyson Fury twice and also besting Derek Chisora and Joshua twice.
The rematch between Usyk and Dubois would be one of the biggest sports events of the year. Usyk’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, has confirmed that Wembley is among the options being considered for the fight, which could take place this summer. The absence of mandatory title defences for Dubois means that he can proceed directly to this match without any obstacles.
If successful, Dubois would become the first British fighter to hold the undisputed heavyweight title since Lennox Lewis in 1999. Usyk, who has already made history by becoming the first boxer to hold undisputed titles in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, would look to continue his reign as one of the sport’s greatest champions.