Daniel Dubois vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Redemption or Repeat at Wembley?
It’s been months since Daniel Dubois left the ring in Wroclaw feeling robbed after his 2023 clash with Oleksandr Usyk. While Usyk won the fight with a ninth-round stoppage, the real drama unfolded in Round 5 when Dubois landed a powerful body shot that floored the Ukrainian. Referee Luis Pabon called it a low blow—a controversial decision that gave Usyk nearly four minutes to recover. Replays showed the punch landed right on the belt line, dividing fans and analysts. Since then, Dubois’s camp, including coach Don Charles and promoter Frank Warren, has maintained the decision cost him the fight.
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Now, Dubois is getting his second chance. On July 19 at Wembley Stadium, he’ll face Usyk again—not just to win belts, but to settle the score. In their recent face-off, Dubois posted a single word on Instagram: “Revenge.” He even shoved Usyk on stage, setting the tone for what promises to be an emotionally charged rematch.
Dubois is entering this fight with renewed confidence, fresh off a stunning knockout of Anthony Joshua in September that earned him the IBF title and global respect. That win marked a dramatic turnaround in his career and gave him the momentum he lacked in their first bout.
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton believes Dubois now has a real chance. He said Dubois’s mindset has changed, noting how he’s bounced back since his loss to Joe Joyce and is “absolutely flying.” Hatton added that this rematch, between two of the top heavyweights in the world, promises fireworks.
On the other hand, Oleksandr Usyk remains a composed and battle-tested champion. Though now 38 years old, the Olympic gold medalist is known for his discipline, footwork, and fight IQ. Still, age may be creeping in, and some, like Carl Froch, believe it could be a factor. Froch, drawing on his own experience retiring at 36, said Usyk’s reflexes and recovery might be slowing down. He also praised Dubois’s transformation, calling him a “machine” after his recent run of form, including wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. Even so, Froch gives Usyk a slight edge—55 to 45.
Not everyone is convinced. Tony Bellew has openly criticized Dubois, arguing that his biggest weakness is mental. Referencing Dubois’s past stoppages, Bellew claimed that once a fighter quits in the ring, it becomes easier to do again. “Daniel’s done it twice,” Bellew said, casting doubt on his ability to endure under pressure.
That didn’t go down well with Frank Warren, who called Bellew’s comments out of line and “nasty,” defending his fighter’s resilience and character.
As opinions from boxing’s elite continue to diverge, one thing is clear—this rematch is personal, and it has all the ingredients of a classic. For Dubois, it’s a shot at redemption. For Usyk, it’s about reasserting his dominance. On July 19, the score will finally be settled.