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Can Daniel Dubois deliver career-defining moment? Dynamite's path to undisputed battle
This Saturday Daniel Dubois fights for the first time since last September in what will be the defining moment of his professional career as he looks to cement his heavyweight king status.
The Briton will meet Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch at Wembley Stadium on July 19, live on DAZN PPV - and this time, there's more than just a few straps up for grabs.
Dubois will follow in Tyson Fury's footsteps with an undisputed title battle against the Ukrainian, who is bidding to reclaim the IBF belt he previously vacated.
After dismantling Anthony Joshua in September to cement his hold on the crown, he will now challenge Usyk for his WBA, WBC and WBO honours.
Now, as 'Dynamite' looks to make 2025 his moment, here is everything you need to know about his career to date as he pushes on for new things.
2012-2016: A promising start
Born on September 6, 1997, into a family rich with boxing heritage, Dubois showed early signs he could be a force to be reckoned with in the ring against any opponent.
At 6' 5" with an impressive reach, he tore through the local amateur boxing scene and gradually moved up to bigger and heavier targets, with many expecting a pro move.
Dubois duly did so, reportedly forgoing a chance to compete for Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and signing his first contract at the age of 19 in early 2017.
2017-2022: Rise through the ranks
Announcing himself on the British scene with a brutal first-round knockout against Marcus Kelly in April 2017, Dubois quickly soared up the division with a string of key results.
He picked up a number of minor straps, and became British heavyweight champion in July 2019, defeating Nathan Gormon inside five rounds, and moving to a 12-0 record.
A tenth-round KO defeat to Joe Joyce in late 2020 seemed to check his momentum, but Dubois recovered with a four-fight hot streak to set up his biggest clash yet in 2023.
August 2023: Usyk vs Dubois
Having been questioned over his resilience after taking a knee in his loss to Joyce, plenty expected Dubois to struggle against the Ukrainian, who then held three major titles.
But Stadion Wrocław, he dropped his opponent in the fifth round, only for the referee to rule it was a low blow. His corner furiously protested the decision, while Usyk recovered.
The title holder then took hold of the fight and delivered a ninth-round knockout - a result that still lights a fire inside Dubois and leaves him burning to settle matters once again.
2023-2024: Comeback victories against Miller and Hrgovic
With a second career defeat - but a controversial latest bout - Dubois still sat well inside the top of the rankings charts across multiple bodies, and only had to wait two fights.
Drawn-out bouts with Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic helped give him extra stamina in the ring, and built on his reputation again for a superlative knockout finish with fine stoppages.
The latter, as part of the 5v5 card between Queensberry and Matchroom, further enhanced his reputation, and earned him the IBF interim title, teeing up another shot at Usyk.
September 2024: Dubois vs Joshua
However, midway through 2024, Usyk agreed to a rematch with Fury following his first win over 'The Gypsy King' - and vacated his IBF belt to take it, elevating Dubois all the way.
While it meant no immediate rematch for the Briton, he instead found himself against Anthony Joshua, bidding to cement his comeback and become a three-time champion.
Instead, Dubois upset pre-fight odds with his best performance to date - an absolutely brutal five-round masterclass that floored Joshua several times at Wembley Stadium.
February 2025: No-go for Parker sets up Usyk rematch
With Usyk still in camp for his rematch with Fury, Dubois moved to find another opponent for match fitness, and took the gamble on former champion Joseph Parker.
The New Zealander offered genuine threat and menace, and many wondered if he could upset the Briton to snatch a shot at the Ukrainian himself this summer.
In the end, the bout never happened. Dubois fell ill on fight week, Parker fought an undercooked Martin Bakole and plans to reschedule were axed with other fights incoming.
July 2025: Usyk vs Dubois II
With the Parker fight off the cards, there was no reason for Dubois to return and put his IBF belt at risk - not when Usyk was finally ready to dance again.
The pair met at a press event where the Briton shoved his rival on the pitch at Wembley Stadium as they announced their intention to roll it back for the undisputed crown.
Now, just a matter of days are left before the two finally throw hands - and the world will be watching with baited breath to see if Dubois can make 2025 his year to remember.
Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 exclusively live on DAZN PPV, Saturday, July 19. Buy the PPV now here
