Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) and Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) are set to square off once again in a massive rematch on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, a bout that headlines one of the most anticipated events in boxing this year.

Their first meeting took place on August 26, 2023, in Poland, where Usyk scored a knockout victory over Dubois to retain his undisputed heavyweight crown. Since then, Usyk has added back-to-back wins over Tyson Fury to his résumé, effectively ending the “Gypsy King’s” reign and solidifying his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of the modern era.

Now, two years removed from that defeat, a revitalized and more seasoned Daniel Dubois steps into the spotlight at Wembley seeking redemption. With 21 of his 22 wins coming by knockout, Dubois brings raw power and finishing ability that few in the division can match. 

He’s improved in composure, shot selection, and resilience since that loss—but he faces a steep challenge against an undefeated champion who’s already beaten the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

Usyk’s tactical brilliance, footwork, and ring IQ remain unmatched in the heavyweight division, making Dubois’ task an uphill battle. Still, the British slugger has the tools to make history if he can land the perfect shot and disrupt Usyk’s rhythm in front of a roaring home crowd.

Expect Dubois to press early and try to impose his physicality, but Usyk’s timing, movement, and counters will steadily drain the challenger’s confidence. Unless Dubois lands a perfect punch early, this fight is projected to follow a similar arc to their first encounter, ending with Usyk pulling away in the later rounds.

Usyk is a generational technician with unmatched footwork, precision, and adaptability. A former undisputed cruiserweight champion, he carries his skills into the heavyweight division with elite ring IQ and movement rarely seen in fighters over 220 pounds. His southpaw stance, ability to create angles, and high-volume output wear opponents down both mentally and physically. 

Against Anthony Joshua, he controlled the distance. Against Tyson Fury, he proved he could outlast and outsmart even the most awkward and durable of giants. Usyk sets traps brilliantly and escalates pressure round by round without ever overcommitting.

Usyk’s main vulnerability is tied to his physical limitations in the heavyweight class. Though incredibly skilled, he doesn’t possess the one-punch knockout power of natural heavyweights like Deontay Wilder or Daniel Dubois. He’s hittable early when still downloading his opponent’s rhythm, and his tendency to start cautiously has sometimes made him susceptible to early body attacks—as Dubois briefly exploited in their first fight. 

At 37, age could also become a factor if he’s forced into prolonged physical wars, particularly against younger, more explosive fighters.

Dubois is an athletic heavyweight with genuine knockout power in both hands—21 of his 22 victories have come by stoppage. He’s at his best when dictating tempo, forcing exchanges, and cutting off the ring to trap slicker fighters. 

Dubois has sharpened his shot selection and composure since his early-career loss to Joe Joyce and the defeat to Usyk. He has solid fundamentals when throwing in rhythm, and his jab can be a weapon when he commits to it. Mentally, he’s shown more toughness and focus, especially in recent bounce-back wins that showcased his staying power.

Dubois still lacks polish when facing elite-level movement and counterpunching. He struggles against opponents who don’t stand still—his footwork can be plodding, and when forced to reset, he becomes predictable. His defense is also a liability, particularly when he overextends or fails to tuck behind his guard after combinations. 

While his power is real, his stamina over long fights remains a question mark—especially against fighters like Usyk who drag opponents into deep water and never stop punching.

Dubois enters with momentum and a sense of unfinished business, but Usyk’s style remains kryptonite for a fighter like him. The Ukrainian will likely absorb some early pressure, but once he finds his timing, his volume and movement will begin to dismantle Dubois piece by piece. 

Unless Dubois lands a perfect shot by the mid-rounds, Usyk is projected to take full control by the eighth or ninth frame. Expect a 10th-round TKO as Usyk breaks down the challenger with surgical pressure, reaffirming his reign atop the heavyweight division.

Pick: Oleksandr Usyk 1.28 | Dafabet