Usyk Prioritizes Dubois: Is the Champion Wasting Fans’ Time with an Undersized Fight and Avoiding Real Matches?

Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight champion of the world, has recently sparked a storm of debate among boxing fans and pundits. His decision to prioritize a rematch with Daniel Dubois, a young but still-developing heavyweight contender, has ignited accusations of cherry-picking and avoiding higher-stakes matchups. While some see it as a reasonable step following controversial moments in their first fight, others question whether this bout truly adds value to Usyk’s legacy or merely delays the inevitable showdowns with the division’s other elite names.

Why Daniel Dubois Again? Revisiting the Controversial Fight

The initial clash between Usyk and Dubois took place in 2023 and quickly turned into a headline-grabbing event due to one pivotal moment: a disputed body shot in the fifth round. Dubois landed a punch that some deemed a legitimate body blow, while others—including the referee—saw it as a low blow. Usyk took a few minutes to recover before dominating the remainder of the fight and eventually securing a TKO victory.

Now, in 2025, Usyk has opted to revisit that bout and give Dubois a second chance. The Ukrainian champion and his team argue that this decision is about clearing any lingering doubts and silencing critics who still point to the controversial stoppage. But critics of the rematch argue that this reasoning feels thin—especially when the heavyweight division has no shortage of thrilling opponents.

Is Usyk Avoiding Bigger Fights? Fury, Joshua, and the Real Challenges

One cannot discuss Usyk’s fight choices without addressing the glaring elephant in the ring: Tyson Fury. After years of back-and-forth negotiations and multiple failed attempts to finalize an undisputed clash, fans have grown weary of the constant delays. Many hoped that Usyk would pursue the Fury fight with renewed urgency in 2025.

Likewise, another lucrative and legacy-defining bout could be a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua. Despite Usyk already holding two convincing wins over Joshua, a third fight would still generate significant interest, especially considering Joshua’s recent resurgence.

Then there’s the rising crop of contenders—fighters like Zhilei Zhang, Jared Anderson, or even Joe Joyce—who offer Usyk fresh, credible challenges that could reinforce his dominance. Instead, focusing on Dubois, who many believe wasn’t ready for the first fight, feels like a step sideways, if not backward.

The Business Behind Boxing: Is Money Driving the Decision?

Boxing, as much as it is a sport, is also a business. Promoters, networks, and fighters themselves often have to balance the sporting integrity of matchups with financial viability. In this light, the decision to fight Daniel Dubois again could make some sense. Dubois remains a marketable British fighter with knockout power and a fanbase hungry for redemption.

Moreover, the bout can be held in a location that offers strong financial incentives—like Saudi Arabia or London—which may be more profitable than pursuing a riskier fight with a less marketable contender. But the real question remains: is financial gain enough reason to put the heavyweight division on hold?

The Fans’ Perspective: Growing Frustration and Disappointment

Diehard boxing fans are growing increasingly vocal about their displeasure. On forums, social media, and podcasts, many argue that Usyk—while undeniably brilliant in the ring—is not doing enough to elevate the heavyweight division. He has conquered cruiserweight and climbed to the top of the heavyweight world, yet the sense of stagnation is palpable.

There’s a shared feeling that 2025 should be the year where all the belts are unified and the best truly fight the best. When champions like Usyk opt for rematches that don’t move the needle, it delays progress and chips away at fan enthusiasm.

While casual fans may still tune in for the spectacle, the diehards are left wondering when boxing will deliver on its long-promised matchups.

Dubois’ Perspective: Redemption or Repeat?

For Daniel Dubois, this rematch represents more than a shot at redemption—it could be career-defining. Since the loss to Usyk, Dubois has made visible improvements in both conditioning and ring IQ. Working with a new training camp, he’s reportedly focused on strategy and pacing, aware that raw power alone won’t beat a technician like Usyk.

If he pulls off the upset, it would be one of the biggest shocks in recent heavyweight history. But that “if” looms large. Most analysts still see him as a tier below the elite, and unless he’s made monumental improvements, he may find himself walking into another tactical masterclass.

Still, credit must be given where it’s due. Unlike some fighters who crumble after high-profile losses, Dubois has remained committed, stayed in the gym, and fought his way back into contention. That speaks to his resilience and potential—but is it enough?

The Legacy Equation: Does This Fight Help Usyk at All?

At 37, Oleksandr Usyk is in the twilight of his boxing career. With an undefeated record and multiple titles in two divisions, his legacy is already secured. But the greats of the sport are often remembered not just by the belts they held, but by the battles they fought.

Rematches like this one with Dubois don’t add much to that narrative—unless something spectacular or controversial happens. Beating Dubois again will likely do little to sway historians or Hall of Fame voters. However, a convincing win followed by a high-stakes bout later in the year (perhaps against Fury or Joshua) could allow this to serve as a tune-up, a prelude to a grander finale.

That’s the only scenario in which this choice makes real sense: if it leads directly to the fights fans actually want.

The Path Forward: Will 2025 Be Redemption or Regression for Heavyweight Boxing?

The future of the heavyweight division hinges on what follows this rematch. If Usyk defeats Dubois and immediately signs a fight with Tyson Fury, fans may forgive the detour. If it’s followed by another placeholder bout, however, frustration will likely boil over.

Meanwhile, other champions and contenders are waiting in the wings. With Anthony Joshua back in the conversation, Deontay Wilder still looming, and fresh blood rising, the opportunity for massive fights has never been greater.

The clock is ticking. Fans want clarity. They want greatness. And they want the champions to act like champions.

Conclusion: Dubois Deserves a Shot, But Fans Deserve More

There’s no denying that Daniel Dubois has earned respect for stepping back into the lion’s den. And Oleksandr Usyk has earned the right to choose his path after years of elite performances. But when viewed from the lens of legacy, momentum, and fan expectation, this rematch feels like a holding pattern.

Usyk vs. Dubois 2 may be a decent fight. It may even be exciting. But it won’t answer the bigger questions boxing fans are asking: Who is the best heavyweight in the world? And when will they finally fight?

Until then, all we can do is hope the sport finds its way back to its golden rule: the best fighting the best, without excuses or delays.