Zhilei Zhang will be watching closely when Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois clash for a second time this Saturday, live on DAZN PPV.
The undisputed heavyweight battle at Wembley Stadium will see the fighters renew hostilities after coming together in 2023 in Poland .
Then, Usyk dropped Dubois twice to remain as champion, but the fight was marred in controversy after Usyk was allowed to recover from a shot that the referee called low despite some believing it was a legal shot.
Since that night, Dubois has used the experience to push on and he has become a major threat at heavyweight as he now holds the IBF title.
On his way to the top of the division, Dubois moved past several top contenders including Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller, before his crowning moment in September 2024 against Anthony Joshua.
Dubois entered that contest a major underdog, but he showed why he is one of the world’s best heavyweights as he dropped Joshua four times before the contest was over in round five .
That performance has some within the boxing trade convinced that Dubois can get past Usyk, and Zhang is one of them.
The highly ranked contender has scored big wins over the likes of Joe Joyce and Deontay Wilder, but he too has to return after a recent loss to Agit Kabayel earlier this year.
“I used to be a fan of Usyk’s style,” said Zhang when speaking to IFLTV.
“I still am, but this time I’m favouring Dubois.”
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 .