Tense moment in London: Usyk and Dubois lock eyes before rematch (video)
Photo: Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois to face off in the ring on July 19 (Getty Images)
A video has appeared online showing a previously unplanned meeting and an improvised staredown between Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk and Briton Daniel Dubois. The future opponents met on one of the streets of London near Wembley Arena. It is in the British capital that they will fight for the undisputed heavyweight title on July 19. The video was published on the Instagram page boxingukraineboxing.
Impulsive Dubois and focused Usyk
Details about the meeting—whether it was accidental or planned—have not yet been reported.
In the video, we see the boxers staring into each other's eyes, surrounded by people. There are more fans of the Ukrainian boxer there, so the duel takes place to the chants of: "Usyk! Usyk!"
Dubois tried to shout something back, but was clearly not heard. After a few seconds of tense eye contact, the Briton was the first to look away. Usyk remained demonstratively focused and calm throughout the encounter.
The meeting ended without incident.
Usyk-Dubois 2: Key info about the fight
The rematch between Usyk and Dubois at Wembley will determine the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. At stake are the WBC, WBO, and WBA belts held by Usyk and the IBF title held by Dubois.
Both fighters will earn record-high purses for this bout.
Most analysts, including bookmakers, estimate Usyk's chances of winning at around 75-80%. The most common prediction is that Usyk will win by points or by technical knockout in the second half of the fight (approximately rounds 8-11).
On the undercard of the main event, two more Ukrainians—Vladyslav Sirenko and Daniil Lapin—will also have fights.
Earlier, we shared the full schedule of events leading up to the rematch.
