Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois both weighed in heavier for their rematch than they did for their first fight, ahead of Saturday’s undisputed-title showdown.
Ukraine’s Usyk will put the unified heavyweight belts on the line at Wembley Stadium, while home fighter Dubois defends the IBF title. The Briton is also aiming to avenge a 2023 loss to the unbeaten southpaw.
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Two years ago, Usyk, now 38, climbed off the canvas after a controversial low blow and stopped Dubois. The latter’s team still insist the strike was a legal body shot from the 27-year-old, but an appeal to overturn the result failed.
Dubois is a more experienced and hardened fighter this time around, in any case, and he will also be 10lb heavier than when he fought Usyk in Poland. For their first bout, Dubois weighed in at 233lb and 2oz, while he tipped the scales at 243lb and 8oz on Friday (18 July).
Meanwhile, Usyk was 220lb and 9oz when he first fought Dubois, but the Ukrainian weighed in at 227lb and 3oz on Friday – meaning he will also be heavier this time.
“For me, it’s a great opportunity for my people and my country,” said Usyk after weighing in. “Thank you to Jesus Christ [...] See you tomorrow!” Dubois added: “I’m locked in, I’m focused, I can’t wait. I’m gonna win by any means necessary.”
So, it was short and sweet from both heavyweights, who will let their fists do the talking on Saturday, as the cliche goes.
Last time out, in September, Dubois stopped compatriot Anthony Joshua at Wembley, retaining the IBF title after he was elevated from interim champion earlier in the year.
Dubois was elevated when Usyk vacated the IBF belt, just weeks after the Ukrainian outpointed Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 24 years.
As a result, only three of the four major titles were on the line in Usyk’s December rematch with Fury, which he again won on points.
But undisputed status is up for grabs when Usyk faces Dubois this weekend. If Usyk can win, he will become a three-time undisputed champion, having previously held all the major cruiserweight belts simultaneously.
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