Usyk vs Dubois II: Brit throws down bold challenge
Daniel Dubois (photo: Getty Images)
The current IBF heavyweight world champion, British boxer Daniel Dubois, has shared his expectations for the upcoming rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, according to Sky Sports.
"I'm not going to be denied"
The 26-year-old Brit stated he's focused solely on victory:
"Fireworks, it's going to be bombs away on the night. I'm going to be the one throwing the bombs, coming through whatever I've got to come through. I'm not going to be denied."
Dubois acknowledges Usyk's skill, but believes it's now his time:
"I see him as a top guy, he's one of the best ranked in the world but now I think it's my time. You know I'm the young lion here, I've got to prove I'm a real force, a new force in the division and I'm going to take over. Prepare, prepare, fight, destruction, yeah."
"Going to be so zoned in and focused"
Dubois emphasized that the next fight is the key moment of his career:
"It's going to be a massive event. It's going to be global, worldwide, everyone tuning into it - I can't wait, it means a lot to me."
He also added that he feels confident, both physically and mentally.
"I'm in a good place. I'm at a good level myself, both physically and mentally. I'm going to be so zoned in and focused. I'll do the job and not let anything get in the way. It means the world, it means conquering everything this sport has to offer at the top of the game. Being undisputed in boxing is everything."
Key facts about Usyk vs. Dubois 2
The rematch between Usyk and Dubois will occur on Saturday, July 19, at the legendary Wembley Stadium in London. The main event is expected to begin around 10:00 PM Kyiv time.
This will be the first bout for the undisputed heavyweight title ever held in the United Kingdom.
Heading into the fight, Usyk holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO belts. The British fighter possesses the IBF title, which Usyk voluntarily vacated a year ago.
Both fighters will earn record-high purses in their careers for this bout.
In their first fight, which took place on August 26, 2023, in Wrocław, Usyk won by technical knockout in the ninth round.
The match was not without controversy. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a punch that caused Usyk to go down to the canvas. However, the referee did not count it as a knockdown, ruling the blow was below the belt, although Dubois claimed it was clean. This led to a scandal, but the British team's appeal did not change the result.
