Usyk later said: “It was clearly low. I don’t need a belt from such shots.” Aside from the obvious appeal of an undisputed heavyweight championship fight, that moment has fueled the demand for this rematch, with fans and analysts divided even two years later.
What’s at Stake
No matter who wins, a potential mega-fight with Fury remains possible if belts realign. That opportunity and a clash with Joshua would be the only motivation for the Gypsy King to return.
There’s a ton of layers here and it should be an interesting day of boxing beginning with this card and culminating with Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao later in the evening.
Usyk vs Dubois 2 predictions
USA Today: Usyk by TKO in 11th round
Josh Peter writes: “Almost two years have passed since Oleksandr Usyk beat Daniel Dubois in their first bout by ninth-round KO. Dubois has incredible power and showed as much when knocking down Anthony Joshua four times on his way to a fifth-round TKO victory last year. Yet in the final seconds of that fight, Dubois left himself open and took a hard shot that could have swung the fight. Dubois won’t be able to make the same mistakes against Usyk, whose technical soundness and elusive defense are superior.”
Bleacher Report: Usyk by TKO, Round 10
Lyle Fitzsimmons writes: “If you believe a KO of Joshua—whom Usyk has twice dismantled—warrants such a spike in relevance, so be it. But unless the splendid Ukrainian champion turns into a punched-out 38-year-old overnight, it’s another tactical mismatch. Expect several one-sided, clinical rounds on the way, with many so-called experts lamenting that they should have seen it coming.”
CBS Sports: Usyk via decision
Brent Brookhouse writes: “I think it’s more likely the fight goes the full 12 rounds. Both fighters know how dangerous the other is, and though Usyk finished Dubois in the first fight, Dubois has a booming level of confidence coming off of his thrashing of Anthony Joshua. Usyk only has two stoppages at heavyweight (Dubois and Chazz Witherspoon) and I don’t see a repeat of the first fight here. Dubois is the better boxer and those skills should be enough for him to come out on top on the scorecards, though either man getting a stoppage is in play.”
BetMGM: Usyk to secure repeat win
Staff writes: “I predict that Usyk will secure a repeat win over Dubois via TKO/KO stoppage, as his fighting style fits well with Dubois. His complete package of power, speed, timing, footwork, and fight IQ is the reason why he’s currently at the top of the heavyweight division and is the key to this second meeting with Dubois. Dubois undoubtedly has the one-punch knockout power that can put any contender and champion in the heavyweight division to sleep. However, the major problem is whether he can land it cleanly against Usyk, as Usyk also has an impeccable defense.”
