How Usyk will break down Dubois: World champion outlines rematch scenario and makes his prediction
Usyk and Dubois (photo: instagram.com/queensberrypromotions)
Ukrainian-Polish boxer and WBC International world champion Fedir Cherkashyn shared his expectations for the second fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
In an exclusive comment to RBC-Ukraine, Cherkashyn assessed the psychological tactics of Usyk’s opponent, the strengths and weaknesses of the British, and gave his prediction for the outcome of the bout.
Dubois’ provocation assessed
Cherkashyn is confident: pushing Usyk during the eye battle was a deliberate provocation by Dubois.
"This is an attempt to break Usyk psychologically even before the first bell. But anyone who knows Oleksandr understands that such things don't affect him. He's above it. If anyone lost their temper in that moment - it was Dubois himself," the champion explained.
In Cherkashyn's opinion, Dubois will enter the rematch with double motivation - to prove that the previous body shot wasn't a rule violation.
“I think deep down, Dubois understands he hit below the belt that time. But publicly, of course, he sticks to the version that it was a legitimate punch. And that's exactly why now he'll be fully charged - he needs to prove to everyone that he was capable of winning. That kind of pressure and desire for revenge will definitely bring us some emotions in this bout!” Cherkashyn explained.
On tactics and risks
Ukrainian boxer believes that Dubois’ only chance is early aggression.
"Dubois is a puncher, so he definitely won't go the full distance. He'll need to try to break Usyk in the early rounds, impose an aggressive pace, apply pressure with his body, and look for a body shot. But Usyk is a master of rhythm and movement, and that will be a huge challenge for Daniel," Fedir comments.
Usyk’s opponent’s strengths and weaknesses
According to the champion, the British's main strength is his explosive punch. But among the downsides - are a lack of experience, weak psychological resilience, and imperfect defense.
"And Usyk is exactly the kind of fighter who knows how to exploit such weaknesses in an opponent," Cherkashyn emphasized.
Prediction for Usyk - Dubois rematch
Fedir "expects a spectacle."
"Usyk always fights with a cool head, but if Dubois goes all-in - it'll get hot. My prediction: Usyk will win, likely after the sixth round. Either a stoppage or a confident decision from the judges. But in heavyweight, one punch can change everything - you can't forget that," Cherkashyn concluded.
Usyk - Dubois rematch details
The fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will take place on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London.
This will be the official rematch meant to resolve the controversies following their first meeting in 2023. Back then, Usyk won by technical knockout in the ninth round, but a controversial moment occurred in the fifth - a low blow from Dubois that sparked outrage and became grounds for an appeal from the British's side.
Dubois' team claimed that the punch was legitimate and could have been decisive in the bout. Usyk, for his part, called it an attempt to manipulate the outcome.
In this fight, Usyk will put his WBA, WBC, and WBO belts on the line. Dubois will enter the ring as the IBF titleholder. The winner will unite all the titles in one set of hands for the first time since May of last year.
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