Usyk vs Dubois - An Unlikely Heavyweight Bout
Back in late 2020, mentioning a future heavyweight title clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois might have raised eyebrows in boxing circles. However, this weekend will witness this unexpected pairing as the headlining Usyk vs Dubois event in Wroclaw, Poland, broadcasted on ESPN+ for US viewers. Following their respective matches in 2020, few saw them as potential heavyweight titans. Usyk, previously the undisputed cruiserweight king, faced Derek Chisora on October 31, 2020. Though Usyk emerged victorious, many believed his win was unconvincing, raising questions about his suitability for the heavyweight category. Meanwhile, in November 2020, Dubois squared off against Joe Joyce. Despite being favored to win, Dubois suffered a crushing defeat due to a serious eye injury. The aftermath brought about debates on Dubois' future and even his dedication to boxing, given the severity of the injury. But time would change the narrative for both fighters. Usyk stunned the world by defeating Anthony Joshua in 2021, not once but twice, the latter also earning him the Ring Magazine title, and establishing him as one of the best fighters globally. He demonstrated that size wasn't a limitation for his expertise. Dubois, on the other hand, silenced critics by making a commendable comeback, securing wins against formidable opponents like Bogdan Dinu, Joe Cosumano, and, notably, Kevin Lerena. His victory against Lerena, despite a knee injury, showcased his determination and resilience. But a title bout against Usyk wasn't on the horizon until a surprising turn of events. The anticipated matchup between Usyk and Tyson Fury fell through, with Fury choosing to take on ex-UFC champ, Francis Ngannou. Dubois, gearing up for the bout, emphasized the significance of mental strength, saying to Eurosport,
“You have to be prepared for the long haul in a fight. Either you're all in or you're not."Going into the Usyk vs Dubois fight as an underdog, Dubois has teamed up with Don Charles, who previously trained Chisora. Charles shared with Talksport about preparing Dubois with intense training sessions at high altitude in Spain, hinting at the strategy to use brute strength against Usyk. Who knows what the outcome will be of Usyk vs Dubois bout? In the world of boxing, the unexpected can become the norm.
