Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois are set to face off again in a rematch announced on July 19. The two heavyweights first clashed in August 2023, with Usyk coming out on top via a 9th round knockout.
Their first encounter wasn't without controversy. Dubois knocked Usyk down with a shot that was ruled a low blow, a moment that's likely to add extra spice to their upcoming rematch.
Since that loss, Dubois has been on a tear. He's racked up three straight knockout wins against tough opposition including Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. These victories have put "DDD" right back in the mix at the top of the heavyweight division.
Usyk, who moved up to heavyweight after dominating the cruiserweight ranks, has made his mark by twice beating unified champion Anthony Joshua. Recently, he shared some interesting insights about his toughest opponents on a podcast.
When asked about the hardest puncher he's faced, Usyk surprisingly named Derek Chisora. He said:
"Oh my God. Like a baseball bat."
This praise comes from their October 2020 bout where Usyk won by unanimous decision, despite Chisora giving him trouble with constant pressure and aggression.
Interestingly, Usyk named Tyson Fury as his toughest fight to date. This adds another layer of intrigue to their potential future matchup.
Looking ahead, there are other challengers waiting in the wings for whoever emerges victorious from the Usyk-Dubois rematch. Derek Chisora, now the IBF mandatory challenger, is eyeing a potential 50th and final fight. Joseph Parker, the WBO mandatory challenger, is also in the mix after a planned February fight with Dubois fell through due to illness.
The heavyweight division is heating up, and this rematch between Usyk and Dubois will play a crucial role in shaping its future. With Dubois' recent knockout streak and Usyk's proven championship pedigree, fans can expect an explosive encounter when these two step into the ring again.
