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| Oleksandr Usyk poses ahead of the weigh-In on Friday |
Usyk vs Dubois 2: A Defining Night for the Heavyweight Division
The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois on July 19, 2025, delivered a gripping spectacle that reaffirmed Usyk's dominance and showcased Dubois’ evolution as a heavyweight contender. Held at a packed stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this bout carried massive stakes: the unified WBA, WBO, IBF, and The Ring heavyweight titles.
After months of build-up and intense anticipation, Usyk retained his belts with a clinical performance, outboxing Dubois in a fight that pushed both men to their limits.
Tale of the Tape: Fighters' Background and Pre-Fight Momentum
| Fighter | Oleksandr Usyk | Daniel Dubois |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Ukrainian | British |
| Record Before | 22-0 (14 KOs) | 20-2 (19 KOs) |
| Height | 6'3" (191 cm) | 6'5" (196 cm) |
| Weight | 221 lbs (100.2 kg) | 240 lbs (108.9 kg) |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Titles Held | WBA, WBO, IBF, The Ring | None (former WBA Regular) |
Usyk entered the ring unbeaten, known for his precision, movement, and ring IQ. Dubois came in with a hunger for redemption after his controversial defeat in their first encounter in 2023, where he floored Usyk with a disputed low blow.
Round-by-Round Summary: Technical Brilliance Meets Raw Power
Round 1–3: Establishing Distance and Tactics
Usyk immediately took control of the center, using his southpaw jab and lateral movement to keep Dubois off balance. Dubois showed patience, refusing to overcommit, but struggled to match Usyk’s angles and speed.
Round 4–6: Dubois’ Resurgence and Risk
Dubois began finding success with body shots in round 4, backing Usyk up momentarily in round 5 with a solid right hook. However, Usyk’s defense absorbed most of the damage. In round 6, Usyk answered back with a flurry of combinations that tested Dubois' resilience.
Round 7–9: Usyk Dominates
Usyk entered his rhythm, landing sharp left straights and pivoting flawlessly. Dubois’ output declined as Usyk targeted the head and body with accuracy. Round 8 saw Dubois nearly stopped on his feet as Usyk landed a 9-punch unanswered combination.
Round 10: The Finish
Midway through the 10th round, Usyk delivered a perfectly timed counter left hand that dropped Dubois. The Brit beat the count, but the follow-up barrage forced the referee to step in at 1:43 of the round.
Winner: Oleksandr Usyk via TKO (Round 10)
Usyk retains the WBA, WBO, IBF, and The Ring heavyweight titles
Tactical Breakdown: Usyk’s Ring IQ Was Decisive
Usyk’s mastery of distance, angles, and anticipation neutralized Dubois’ power. He controlled the tempo, frustrated Dubois with his footwork, and capitalized on every opening. His high-volume combinations and varied attack left little room for Dubois to impose his game.
Dubois showed courage, improved defense, and smarter pacing compared to their first bout. However, he could not close the gap against a more experienced and polished champion.
Reactions: What Fighters and Experts Said
Oleksandr Usyk:
"I respect Daniel. He came prepared, but this is my division. I fight for Ukraine, I fight for history, and I am not done yet."
Daniel Dubois:
"He’s a tricky puzzle. I thought I did better this time, but I still have more to learn. I’ll be back."
Lennox Lewis (Commentator):
"Usyk’s boxing IQ is on another level. Dubois came to fight, but this was a masterclass in movement and control."
Future Implications: Is Fury vs Usyk Next?
With this convincing win, Oleksandr Usyk inches closer to a long-awaited unification bout with Tyson Fury. The WBC champion has already expressed interest in the mega-fight, and negotiations are reportedly in advanced stages.
A Fury vs Usyk showdown would crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era—a clash of styles and legacies.
Meanwhile, Dubois remains a young contender with time to rebuild. Possible future bouts with fighters like Joe Joyce or Jared Anderson could be key to his comeback.
Complete Fight Stats
| Category | Usyk | Dubois |
|---|---|---|
| Total Punches Landed | 234 | 112 |
| Power Punches Landed | 157 | 89 |
| Jabs Landed | 77 | 23 |
| Knockdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Accuracy | 41% | 28% |
Closing Thoughts: Usyk’s Legacy Continues to Rise
Oleksandr Usyk proved once again why he’s one of the most technically gifted fighters in boxing history. With his 23rd consecutive victory, he solidifies his place among the all-time greats and keeps the dream of undisputed heavyweight glory alive.
Daniel Dubois, though defeated, showed growth and heart. With the right adjustments, his time in the spotlight is far from over.