Oleksandr Usyk is ready to step back into the ring with Daniel Dubois. The Ukrainian heavyweight champ made his intentions clear at the Ring Magazine Awards, where he picked up Fighter of the Year honors.
When asked about a potential rematch with Dubois, Usyk didn't hesitate. "No problem. I'm ready," he said, according to a tweet from Ring Magazine.
The two fighters first met in August 2023, with Usyk winning by stoppage in the ninth round. But that fight wasn't without controversy. Dubois thought he'd dropped Usyk with a body shot, but the referee ruled it a low blow.
Since then, both fighters have been busy. Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion by beating Tyson Fury in May, and then defended his title against Fury in December. He's since vacated the IBF belt.
Dubois, on the other hand, won the interim IBF strap against Filip Hrgovic in June. He got elevated to full champion status and then defended the belt with a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in September.
Dubois has been vocal about wanting another shot at Usyk. He stormed the ring after Usyk's rematch with Fury, demanding another fight. His request hasn't fallen on deaf ears. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has listed Usyk-Dubois II as one of his top five fights for 2025.
But before any rematch can happen, Dubois has another fight on his hands. He's set to defend his IBF belt against Joseph Parker on February 22. Tyson Fury, who knows both fighters well, is backing Parker to win.
At just 17 years old, some think Dubois might be overlooking Parker. But if he comes through that fight, a rematch with Usyk could be on the horizon. And now we know Usyk is up for it.
