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Stunning knockouts and undisputed glory - The five key fights that led to Usyk vs Dubois 2
Ahead of tonight's blockbuster encounter between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, DAZN News' Ross Heppenstall has traced the journey that brings both me to this rematch.
Saturday night sees the latest instalment of a heavyweight rivalry when Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois meet for a second time, and on this occasion, the undisputed heavyweight title is at stake.
The contest, which will take place at Wembley Stadium and broadcast live on DAZN PPV, will pit a pound-for-pound great in Usyk, who last year had back-to-back wins against Tyson Fury, against a Dubois who is at the peak of his boxing powers.
Come the opening bell at England’s national stadium, it will be close to two years since Usyk and Dubois first clashed in Poland
Here, DAZN News examines the five key fights which helped bring us to this weekend's eagerly-anticipated rematch.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois (August 26, 2023)
The first encounter between the rivals was in Wroclaw, Poland and saw Usyk register the 21st straight win of his professional career.
Underdog Dubois floored the reigning champion in the fifth round but the referee immediately called a low blow and Usyk was controversially given time to recover.
From there, the Ukrainian made his class pay and, by the eighth round, Dubois looked exhausted and frustrated when he tried to fend off a flurry of punches.
'Dynamite' hit the canvas, managed to get to his feet, but was then dropped again in the ninth round and could not beat the referee's count.
Aside from the controversy over the low blow, Usyk landed more shots, 88 to 47, and was the more accurate puncher with 25% landing compared to 16% for his opponent.
Usyk vs Dubois: What happened in the first fight?
Daniel Dubois v Jarrell Miller (December 23, 2023)
This was a chance for Dubois to reignite his career after losing to Usyk and how he took it in Riyadh.
A gruelling, thrilling heavyweight scrap with Miller looked set to go the distance before Dubois produced some real quality to finish his opponent off.
With a combination of right and left hooks, he sent Miller stumbling into his corner before the referee spared the American any further damage.
Having returned to winning ways after defeat to Usyk four months earlier, Dubois told DAZN post-fight: “It really mattered tonight.
“I had to dig deep. I came through it and I showed my heart.
“I had my dad screaming in my corner and I knew I had to go out there and work.
“I had to prove it to myself that I was a real fighter and I could be a champion. I silenced the doubts tonight.”
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk (May 18, 2024)
Usyk became boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion after a dramatic split-decision points victory over Fury in Riyadh.
Fury began well but was given a standing count and saved by the bell after an Usyk onslaught in the ninth round.
In a tense wait for the scorecards to be read out, Fury appeared convinced of victory before a Usyk broke down in tears when he was confirmed as the winner.
The scorecards read 115-112 and 114-113 for the Ukrainian, with a third judge scoring it 114-113 to Fury.
It meant Fury lost for the first time in a 16-year professional career as Usyk took the WBC belt from him, to add to his WBA, WBO and IBF collection.
Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis a quarter-century earlier and said post-fight: “Thank you so much to my team.
“It's a big opportunity for my family, for me, for my country. It's a great time, it's a great day. I am ready for a rematch.”
Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua (September 21, 2024)
Dubois sensationally dismantled his fellow Briton in five rounds to elevate his career to new heights in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
The Londoner dropped Joshua multiple times to retain the IBF heavyweight title and leave his domestic rival's career in ruins.
Dubois stopped Joshua with an incredible counter right hook to secure the biggest win of his 24-fight career.
“Are you not entertained?” 'Dynamite' shouted to the crowd afterwards.
“I'm a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential.”
Dubois, meanwhile, enjoyed the crowning moment which had eluded him after he was elevated to world champion when Usyk vacated the belt.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 (December 21, 2024)
Usyk defeated Fury again to retain his unified heavyweight world titles and prove his status as a generational great with another close points win in their rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Having inflicted a first career defeat on Briton Fury by split decision seven months earlier, Usyk's skill and desire once again prevailed at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena as he retained his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO titles.
Fury found success in the first half of the fight but the volume of punches and cleaner work were from Ukrainian Usyk and all three judges scored it 116-112 to the champion.
Usyk, an Olympic gold medallist and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, extended his undefeated record to 23 professional wins.
The victorious man paid tribute to his vanquished opponent afterwards, saying: “He’s a great fighter, he is a great opponent. An unbelievable 24 rounds for my career. Thank you so much.”
Fury left the ring without conducting an interview before IBF world champion Daniel Dubois climbed in and called for a rematch with Usyk.
Usyk vs Dubois 2 only on DAZN
Watch Usyk versus Dubois 2 live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday - July 19 - for £24.99 UK; $59.99 US; $19.99/equivalent ROW. Buy the PPV now here.
