In the lead-up to their highly anticipated rematch on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC heavyweight champion, interpreted Daniel Dubois' recent shove during a promotional face-off as a sign of mental frailty.
During a media event at Wembley, Dubois, the current IBF champion, pushed Usyk in the chest, prompting security to intervene. Usyk responded with a smile, later commenting, "Push is a weakness," suggesting that Dubois' actions reflected psychological vulnerability rather than intimidation.
This confrontation adds another layer to their rivalry, which began with their first bout in August 2023. In that match, Usyk secured a ninth-round stoppage victory over Dubois, though the fight was marred by controversy over a body shot from Dubois that was ruled a low blow.
Since their initial encounter, Dubois has rebounded impressively, securing knockout victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua, thereby claiming the IBF title. His trainer, Don Charles, has defended Dubois against criticisms of lacking resilience, asserting that the fighter has evolved both physically and mentally.
As the rematch approaches, both fighters are preparing intensely. Usyk, undefeated in 23 professional fights, aims to solidify his legacy, while Dubois seeks redemption and the opportunity to unify the heavyweight titles. The upcoming bout promises to be a defining moment in both their careers.
For more detailed coverage, refer to the BBC Sport article on the Usyk vs. Dubois rematch.
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