Usyk vs Dubois 2 Weigh-In – Heavyweights, homework, and plenty of heat

LONDON — Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois have not required the pre-fight activities that often accompany every major boxing event.

After a calm press conference, the pair came together for the final time before combat as they weighed in inside a scorching Wembley Box Park, whose tills kept ringing from the repeated demand for water.
Usyk and Dubois know this routine as well as anyone in boxing. The pair came face-to-face multiple times in 2023 when their minor rivalry back then was settled by the Ukrainian expert’s accurate hands as he forced Dubois to surrender after dropping him twice.

Today, we are told that Dubois’ performance that night is a distant memory. Only three fights ago but a lifetime to those in his camp, but if boxing is the sport where you are only judged on your last outing, then there are not many more formidable boxers in the sport today than the refocused Londoner.

For anyone expecting last-minute fireworks at the weigh-in, the best they got was a fun pyro display that briefly became a hot barrier between the fighters and the stage.

Dubois weighed in first and looked bulky at 243lbs, a full 10lbs heavier than his first fight with Usyk, but lighter than his last two, where he bulldozed Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua. For the three-belt champion, 227lbs is the heaviest weight of his career, but it is still only a pound more than his last fight, a well-earned points victory over Tyson Fury that put him 2-0 against the former world ruler.

The face-off was swift, perhaps too quick for promoter Frank Warren, who repeatedly had to tell people to move so the action shot all the cameras wanted could be nailed on first take. Ultimately, Warren got his wish as the front of the stage cleared, but it remains to be seen whether his dream of seeing Dubois becoming undisputed champion will come true. We do not have long to wait.

A nod to the past from Dubois

The DAZN broadcast platform stood only metres from the ceremonial stage, and on it was a fighter who had performed this dance many times over.

Lennox Lewis is in town to provide analysis for the fight, and after holding three of the four belts that are up for grabs, he knows what Dubois and Usyk are going through right now. Lewis, in the final fight of his career, was able to withstand the threat of a Ukrainian monster as he bludgeoned the face of Vitali Klitschko, who was eventually stopped by the doctors. Can Dubois do the same?

Lewis certainly believes so, and as Dubois posed for a crowd that was split between him and his rival, he made eye contact with the heavyweight great. Lewis saluted him, which prompted Dubois to respond accordingly. The IBF champion has the backing of his countryman, but even that might not be enough this Saturday night.

Some interested spectators on the floor

Amongst the crowd were leading contenders Joseph Parker and Agit Kabayel, who are both set to be ringside tomorrow night, hoping to land a shot at the victor. Kabayel was the chattier of the two, and he declared he was in London to enjoy the fight as well as scouting both fighters.

“It will be a good fight to watch, and it is also my homework,” said the undefeated German, who is long overdue a world title shot.

With Saturday’s victor guaranteed to be the recipient of four world titles, the chance to defend all of them will not present itself and a scattering of the prizes could take place before summer is over. Kabayel is the WBC interim champion, and if one of the belts vacated is from that governing body, the German could be upgraded. That is not the way he wants to become champion, and his sights are set firmly on whoever emerges victorious.

“I speak with Frank Warren, and he knows I want big fights," Kabayel said. "The winner of this next for me is what I want.”

Kabayel has been patient in his pursuit of greatness. Is that opportunity about to come next?

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. 

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