Oleksandr Usyk Shocks Boxing World: Dubois Showdown Before Parker’s WBO Mandatory?

The heavyweight boxing landscape has been thrown into chaos following the latest bombshell—Oleksandr Usyk may be set for a rematch with Daniel Dubois before fulfilling Joseph Parker’s WBO mandatory challenge.

As the undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk was expected to face Tyson Fury on May 18, 2024, in one of the most anticipated fights in recent history. However, speculation has erupted over a potential detour—one that could see Usyk re-enter the ring with Dubois before Parker gets his shot.

But why would Usyk take on Dubois again? What’s happening behind the scenes, and how will it affect the heavyweight division? Let’s break down the shocking turn of events.

How Did We Get Here? Usyk’s Path to Heavyweight Domination

Oleksandr Usyk’s rise in the heavyweight division has been nothing short of legendary.

Unified the cruiserweight division before moving up.
Defeated Anthony Joshua twice, becoming the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion.
Dominated Daniel Dubois in August 2023, securing his spot as an undisputed force.

With his status cemented, Usyk was set for a historic showdown against Tyson Fury. However, Fury’s recent cut injury forced their fight to be rescheduled to May 18, 2024, leaving Usyk with an unexpected gap in his schedule.

Instead of sitting idle, rumors suggest Usyk is considering a surprise fight with Dubois, setting up a shocking prelude to his Fury showdown.

Why Would Usyk Face Dubois Again?

2.1 A Legal & Controversial Victory

Usyk’s first fight with Daniel Dubois in August 2023 ended in controversy.

• Dubois landed a questionable body shot in the fifth round that was ruled a low blow.
• Many believed the shot was legal, sparking debate over whether Dubois was robbed of a KO victory.
• Usyk recovered and later stopped Dubois in the ninth round, but the controversy never truly faded.

A rematch would allow us to silence any doubts and prove that his victory over Dubois was decisive.

2.2 Keeping Active Before Fury

With Fury sidelined until May, Usyk might want to stay sharp.

• A long layoff could affect his timing and sharpness in the ring.
• Taking a fight in the meantime—especially against someone he has already beaten—could be a strategic warm-up before the Fury showdown.

2.3 A Massive Payday

Even though Dubois isn’t the biggest name, a rematch could still generate substantial financial interest, especially with the controversy from their first fight.

Promoters could market it as unfinished business, ensuring another massive payday before Usyk’s mega-clash with Fury.

The Parker Factor: Where Does He Stand?

While the Dubois rematch rumors swirl, Joseph Parker remains in the background as the WBO’s mandatory challenger.

3.1 Parker’s Case for a Title Shot

• Parker has been on a sensational run, recently dominating Deontay Wilder and positioning himself as a top contender.
• As the WBO mandatory challenger, Parker is legally entitled to a title shot within the mandated timeframe.
• If Usyk bypasses Parker to face Dubois, it could lead to legal disputes and sanctioning body complications.

3.2 Will Parker Step Aside?

For Usyk to fight Dubois first, Parker would likely need to accept a step-aside deal—essentially, being paid to wait for his shot.

• If Parker agrees, he could secure a massive payday without even stepping into the ring.
• However, if Parker refuses to step aside, Usyk could be forced to vacate his WBO title, breaking his undisputed status.

How Would Usyk vs. Dubois 2 Play Out?

If the rematch happens, how would it go down?

4.1 What Dubois Needs to Change

Daniel Dubois had moments of success in their first fight but ultimately failed to capitalize. If he hopes to win a rematch, he must:

Apply more pressure. He allowed Usyk too much time to dictate the pace.
Work the body legally. The controversial body shot showed promise, but he needs to avoid fouls.
Improved head movement: Usyk’s superior footwork left Dubois swinging at air too often.

4.2 Usyk’s Game Plan

Usyk would likely stick to his proven strategy:

Use elite movement to frustrate Dubois.
Break him down with precise counters.
Wear Dubois out before finishing him in the later rounds.

4.3 Predicted Outcome

While Dubois is a strong, young contender, Usyk’s superior ring IQ and footwork would likely lead to another clear victory—potentially even a quicker stoppage than their first fight.

The Bigger Picture: What Happens Next?

5.1 If Usyk Wins Again

• He enters the Fury fight even sharper and more confident.
• Dubois’ stock takes another major hit, making it hard for him to regain top contender status.
• Joseph Parker would likely get his title shot after the Fury fight.

5.2 If Dubois Pulls Off an Upset

• The entire heavyweight division turns upside down.
• Usyk’s showdown with Fury could be ruined if he loses.
• Dubois could potentially insert himself into the Fury fight, creating a new heavyweight power struggle.

While unlikely, boxing is unpredictable—and one punch can change everything.

Will This Fight Actually Happen?

Despite the speculation, a few things could prevent this rematch:

Contractual obligations: Usyk’s team may be locked into Fury negotiations, making another fight impossible.
Parker’s refusal to step aside: If Parker demands his shot now, Usyk might be forced to fight him instead.
Risk vs. Reward: If Usyk sees Dubois as a high-risk, low-reward fight, he may avoid it entirely.

The Most Likely Scenario

While the Dubois rematch would be intriguing, the reality is that Usyk is focused on Tyson Fury.

Unless something major happens—like Fury pulling out again or Parker agreeing to step aside—Usyk will likely stick to his original plan:

Defeat Fury to become the undisputed champion.
Defend his titles against Parker.
Possibly retire or move on to new challenges.

As exciting as the Usyk vs. Dubois 2 rumor is, it remains just speculation for now—but in boxing, anything can happen.

Conclusion: A Shocking Twist or Just Hype?

The idea of Oleksandr Usyk facing Daniel Dubois again has thrown the boxing world into a frenzy.

While the fight could make sense financially and competitively, it comes with significant risks and complications, especially with Joseph Parker waiting in line.

With Usyk’s ultimate goal being undisputed supremacy against Tyson Fury, a rematch with Dubois remains an unlikely but intriguing wildcard in the heavyweight division.

Will this shocking rematch actually happen? Or is it just another twist in boxing’s unpredictable journey? Time will tell.