Lerena, the One Who Has Knocked Down Dubois Three Times, Will Make Okolie Fear in the Usyk-Dubois Undercard?

As the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois showdown draws near, the anticipation for July 19 at Wembley Stadium continues to build—and now the undercard is doing just the same. Two exciting bouts have officially been added to the lineup, promising fans a full night of top-tier action before the main event’s fireworks.

Most notably, the undercard now features a blockbuster heavyweight clash between Kevin Lerena and Lawrence Okolie, a matchup loaded with danger, redemption, and championship ambition. Also announced is a compelling light heavyweight bout between Lewis Edmondson and Daniel Lapin, which brings a personal edge due to Lapin’s close ties to Usyk’s camp.

Let’s break down how the Usyk vs Dubois II undercard is shaping up and why these new additions make this card one of the most complete of the year.

Kevin Lerena vs Lawrence Okolie: A High-Stakes Heavyweight Brawl

The spotlight of the undercard undoubtedly falls on the mouth-watering heavyweight showdown between Kevin Lerena (31-3) and Lawrence Okolie (21-2).

This fight has all the ingredients of a thriller: Lerena, the reigning WBC bridgerweight world champion, is stepping into the ring against a former WBO cruiserweight champion and rising heavyweight in Okolie. It’s a collision of two former bridgerweight kings—each looking to prove they belong among boxing’s biggest names at heavyweight.

Kevin Lerena’s Dangerous Reputation

Kevin Lerena may have been stopped by Daniel Dubois in December 2022, but not before he dropped Dubois three times in the very first round, creating one of the most shocking and chaotic opening stanzas in recent heavyweight memory. Though Dubois made a dramatic comeback to stop Lerena in the third, the South African’s reputation soared.

Lerena’s recent form has been equally impressive. In May 2025, he successfully defended his WBC bridgerweight title against Serhiy Radchenko, and prior to that, he gave rising Australian heavyweight Justis Huni a serious scare in Saudi Arabia by shaking him early—though he couldn’t quite finish the job.

“I’ve been knocking on the door of heavyweight greatness. This fight is my chance to smash it open,” said Lerena following the announcement.

Lawrence Okolie’s Redemption Tour

Lawrence “The Sauce” Okolie was once seen as the UK’s next cruiserweight great. He held the WBO cruiserweight title from 2021 to 2023, making successful defenses before being dethroned in a close and bruising battle by Chris Billam-Smith.

After that defeat, Okolie moved up to heavyweight, where he made a statement debut in December 2024 by stopping Hussein Muhamed with clinical efficiency. Now, with fight number two at heavyweight, Okolie takes a huge step up against the dangerous Lerena.

“I’m not just in this division to participate. I’m here to dominate,” Okolie said. “Lerena is tough, but I’m going to show that I belong among the elite at heavyweight.”

Why Lerena vs Okolie Is Must-Watch

• Both men are former or current bridgerweight champions.

• Lerena has hurt elite-level opposition like Dubois and Huni.

• Okolie has power, reach, and awkwardness that frustrates even skilled fighters.

• A win here catapults the victor into the top 10 rankings in the heavyweight division.

Lewis Edmondson vs Daniel Lapin: A Personal Edge

In the light heavyweight division, the card also features a grudge match of sorts between British and Commonwealth champion Lewis Edmondson and undefeated Ukrainian Daniel Lapin, a close training partner of Oleksandr Usyk.

Lapin (9-0) has been sparring with Usyk throughout the preparation for the Dubois fight, and insiders claim he’s looked every bit the future world champion in closed-door sessions. This bout marks his biggest step up in competition and an opportunity to break out on the international stage.

Lewis Edmondson (14-0), meanwhile, is riding high after winning the British and Commonwealth titles and will be looking to defend both belts in front of a massive audience at Wembley.

“I know Usyk’s people think Lapin is the next big thing, but I’m here to show there are levels,” said Edmondson. “I’m not just defending my belts—I’m defending British pride.”

Lapin’s Quiet Confidence

Lapin isn’t known for trash talk, but those around him—including Usyk—believe he’s destined for greatness. A tall, rangy southpaw with smooth footwork and timing, Lapin could be the Ukrainian light heavyweight star of the future.

“Daniel is ready,” Usyk said recently. “He has worked very hard. You will see something special on July 19.”

This stylistic clash between Edmondson’s grit and Lapin’s finesse should produce an exciting chess match, and with championship implications looming, neither fighter can afford a loss.

Usyk vs Dubois II: A Monumental Main Event

With an undercard this strong, it’s easy to forget just how monumental the main event between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois truly is.

Set to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the fight will crown an undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in the four-belt era. Usyk, the WBA, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titleholder, faces off against IBF champion Daniel Dubois in a rematch with serious bad blood.

Their first fight in 2023 ended in controversy, with Dubois claiming he was denied a legal knockdown. Now, both men have more experience, more hunger, and everything to lose.

How the Full Card Is Shaping Up (So Far)

✅ Main Event: Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois

Undisputed Heavyweight Championship (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine belts)

✅ Co-Main Event: Kevin Lerena vs Lawrence Okolie

Heavyweight bout – potential eliminator status for a top 10 ranking

✅ Feature Bout: Lewis Edmondson vs Daniel Lapin

British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Title – high-stakes for emerging contenders

More fights are expected to be added soon, but this trio of battles already makes Usyk vs Dubois II one of the most stacked cards of 2025.

The Global Stage: Wembley and Beyond

With over 90,000 fans expected, this Wembley event is being billed as a global celebration of heavyweight boxing. DAZN and Sky Sports are expected to share international broadcasting duties, while Ukrainian and British fans will show up in full force to support their champions.

The undercard additions provide extra incentive for fans to tune in early. There will be world-level skill, power, tension, and national pride on the line from the opening bell.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember Is Taking Shape

From Usyk’s legacy-defining clash with Dubois, to the high-stakes showdown between Kevin Lerena and Lawrence Okolie, to the rising stars like Lapin and Edmondson fighting for supremacy, the July 19 Wembley Stadium card is stacking up to be an unforgettable night of boxing.

It’s more than just a fight night—it’s a moment in boxing history.

“The world will watch. And we will deliver,” said Usyk, summing up the mood perfectly.