Just 7%? Journalist claims Usyk got only sliver of Dubois fight purse
Usyk's record-breaking purse for the Dubois fight questioned (photo: RBC-Ukraine)
Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Daniel Dubois earned him the title of two-time undisputed world heavyweight champion. However, rumors emerged about a record-setting purse. According to media reports, the Ukrainian boxer allegedly made $132 million. But respected journalist and insider Mike Coppinger has disputed these figures, calling them significantly inflated, as he stated on X.
Before the rematch, it was reported that the total purse for both fighters would amount to an astounding $203 million, with Usyk supposedly receiving 65% of that sum—$132 million—while Dubois would earn $71 million. These would have been career-high earnings for both athletes.
However, Coppinger flatly denied those figures. He speculated that the Ukrainian's actual earnings were only about 7% of the reported amount, which would be around $9 million.
"He didn’t make anywhere NEAR $132 million. Where do these numbers come from? Maybe 7 percent of that figure," Coppinger wrote.
In the comments under his post, most users also expressed doubt that Usyk received $132 million. At the same time, they found it hard to believe that a boxing star of Usyk's caliber only made $9 million, especially since that would have to cover taxes and his team's salaries.
He didn’t make anywhere NEAR $132 million. Where do these numbers come from? Maybe 7 percent of that figure https://t.co/8INHNGKHv1
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) July 23, 2025
As of now, Usyk's camp has not commented on either the media reports or Coppinger's statements regarding the Ukrainian champion's purse.
For reference, on July 19, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois for the second time via knockout in the fifth round. With this victory, he reclaimed the IBF title and became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world for the second time in his career, matching Muhammad Ali's historic achievement.
Usyk's future: Mandatory defense against Parker
While financial debates around the last fight continue, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) has already laid out the next step for the undisputed champion.
On Thursday, July 25, the WBO gave Usyk a 30-day deadline to begin negotiations for a mandatory title defense against contender Joseph Parker.
