“Is this the end for Usyk?” – The verdict that stunned fans ahead of the rematch with Dubois

It’s been nearly a year since Daniel Dubois walked away from a Wroclaw ring feeling more robbed than defeated. His controversial TKO loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023 became one of the most debated moments in modern boxing. Now, as the two prepare to collide again on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, the storyline is far more than just another title defense—it’s a grudge match, a battle for redemption, and perhaps, the most significant fight in Dubois’ career.

The Low Blow That Sparked Outrage

In the fifth round of their initial meeting, Dubois landed a brutal right hook to Usyk’s body, dropping the Ukrainian to the canvas. Yet, in a moment that shocked the boxing world, referee Luis Pabon ruled it a low blow. Instead of a knockdown, Usyk was given nearly four minutes to recover, changing the trajectory of the bout.

Replays showed the shot landed on the beltline—a legal target in the eyes of many fighters and analysts. The controversy has refused to die down, with Dubois’ team led by trainer Don Charles and promoter Frank Warren, standing firm: “He knows he cheated that night,” Charles said, doubling down on their belief that Dubois was denied his rightful victory.

Daniel Dubois: “This is Personal Now”

Heading into the rematch, Daniel Dubois is not just focused on belts—he’s hunting vindication. His one-word Instagram post following the announcement—“Revenge”—set the tone. During a heated press conference, Dubois shoved Usyk, igniting the tension already simmering since their last encounter.

“This is the fight I wanted and demanded,” Dubois told The Guardian. “I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now, and Usyk will find this out for himself on July 19.”

There’s a fire in Dubois that wasn’t present before. The 26-year-old Brit believes he’s matured, both physically and mentally. With a new camp, renewed confidence, and a belief that he was wronged, he’s entering Wembley Stadium not just as a contender, but a champion ready to avenge his past.

Ricky Hatton: “Dubois Has a Real Chance”

Backing up Dubois’ newfound confidence is boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who has publicly thrown his support behind the Brit. Speaking to Boxing News, Hatton praised the fight’s competitiveness: “I think it’s the best fight. They’re the best two heavyweights in the world.”

But Hatton also made it clear—this rematch is no walkover for Usyk. “I think Daniel has a better chance than the first time, what with a win off Joshua,” Hatton said, referencing Dubois’ shocking fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley last September.

That victory, which retained Dubois’ IBF world title, was a statement win. More than that, it served as a mental turning point. Beating a name like Joshua at Wembley—AJ’s first pro defeat at the venue—sent a message to the world: Daniel Dubois is here to stay.

The Numbers: Dubois vs. Usyk at a Glance

The age gap between the fighters may be the most intriguing factor. At 38, Oleksandr Usyk is nearing the twilight of his career. While still technically brilliant, his durability and reflexes could come into question against a younger, more aggressive Dubois.

Carl Froch Breaks Down the Rematch

Carl Froch, another respected voice in British boxing, weighed in on the rematch, and he wasn’t shy about pointing out Usyk’s vulnerabilities. “Can he shock the world? In a word, yes, he can,” Froch said in an interview with Sporting Talk. “Usyk is 38… I’ve been 38. I know how it feels.”

Froch also reminded fans of his own late-career glory: “I was a month away from 37 when I chinned Groves at Wembley.” For Froch, the similarities between himself and Dubois are worth noting. Both stepped into Wembley with something to prove. Both had a chance to rewrite their legacy. Dubois may now have that same moment approaching.

Oleksandr Usyk: Calm, Cool, and Not Done Yet

Despite the mounting pressure, Oleksandr Usyk remains his composed, analytical self. The Ukrainian has been through wars—undisputed at cruiserweight, conqueror of Joshua, and now preparing to silence the doubts once again.

If anything, the chatter about his age and the “robbery” claims may only fuel Usyk’s fire. He’s still undefeated and considered one of the most technically gifted boxers of his generation.

But for the first time in years, there’s a palpable sense of danger. Dubois has power, youth, momentum—and a burning desire to prove he was robbed.

Will History Repeat Itself? Or Be Rewritten?

In boxing, narratives matter just as much as numbers. In their first meeting, Usyk was the experienced tactician, cool under pressure. Dubois was raw, unpredictable, and maybe too eager. This time, things feel different.

Daniel Dubois has grown—both as a man and a fighter. His recent win over AJ wasn’t just a fluke—it was a declaration of arrival. His team believes in him. British boxing is behind him. And he believes the moment is now.

Oleksandr Usyk, meanwhile, has done nothing to lose faith from his fans. But boxing waits for no one, and time is not on his side. Can his technique still tame a younger, hungrier version of Dubois?

What This Fight Means for the Heavyweight Division

The stakes for Dubois vs. Usyk II extend beyond personal redemption. The outcome will heavily influence the future of the heavyweight division. A Dubois win would send shockwaves—possibly setting up a blockbuster unification clash with Tyson Fury or a rematch with Anthony Joshua.

For Usyk, a win would cement his status as a pound-for-pound legend, perhaps pushing him toward retirement at the top.

Either way, July 19 at Wembley promises to be historic.

Final Take: Was Dubois Robbed?

The boxing world remains deeply divided on the infamous low blow controversy. Some see it as a clear error—one that cost Daniel Dubois a world title. Others argue Usyk simply recovered and proved his dominance regardless.

One thing is clear: the rematch is Dubois’ chance to settle the debate, not with words, but with fists.

Get Ready for War

As we count down to July 19, fans can expect one of the most emotional, explosive, and compelling matchups in recent heavyweight history. Daniel Dubois vs. Oleksandr Usyk II is not just about belts—it’s about honor, closure, and rewriting history under the lights of Wembley Stadium.