British heavyweight Daniel Dubois has conveyed his strong desire for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, targeting a showdown in July.
Dubois, who holds a professional record of 22 wins and 2 losses, believes a second encounter with Usyk could be a monumental event in boxing history.
In a recent interview with The Ring, Dubois stated, “Definitely July, a big fight in July against Usyk. That’s what I want. There’s talks, negotiations happening behind the scenes, the two teams are going back and forth.”
“I’m just doing my job as a fighter and staying ready and getting prepared for when I get a call on whoever is next, I’m ready to unleash hell.”
Reflecting on the First Encounter
Dubois and Usyk first met in the ring on August 26, 2023. During that bout, a controversial moment arose when Dubois landed a punch that was deemed a low blow by the referee, leading to a pause in the action.
The punch had floored Usyk, with many believing if it were a legal shot Dubois would have become the first man to stop the Ukrainian champion.
Many debated the legitimacy of the call, with Dubois and his team expressing frustration over the decision. Usyk ultimately secured a victory, but the controversy left a sense of unfinished business between the two fighters.
The Road Ahead
Since their initial meeting, Dubois has been active in the ring.
He had an impressive run of form following the loss to Usyk, stopping Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before facing Anthony Joshua, stopping the former champion in five rounds at Wembley Stadium.
This win has bolstered Dubois’ confidence and positioned him as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division.
Usyk, on the other hand, has maintained an unblemished record of 23 wins. The Ukrainian southpaw has solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s elite, with victories over notable opponents including Anthony Joshua and, more recently, Tyson Fury (twice).
Dubois emphasised the significance of a rematch, stating:
“The Usyk fight would be like the AJ fight but way bigger, the biggest fight in the world. That’s the fight that really excites me and there’s revenge there as well.”
“The Usyk fight for undisputed would create history, that would be a massive historic event. Just like the AJ fight, the build-up at Leicester Square, it would just be amazing to be a part of that sort of fight.”
As negotiations continue, the boxing world eagerly awaits confirmation of this potential rematch. A second bout between Dubois and Usyk promises not only to settle lingering questions from their first encounter but also to potentially reshape the landscape of the heavyweight division.