IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois deserves a second chance at WBO, WBC, and WBA heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
While Usyk ended the first bout between the two men in August 2023 in thunderous fashion, that victory has been overshadowed at times by a controversial incident that occurred in the 5th round of that fight. That was when Usyk was brought down by a Dubois shot that was controversially ruled a low blow. The referee then made it clear he wanted Usyk take a good amount of time for himself in order to be fully recovered before returning to the action. Suffice to say, Usyk took over three minutes before resuming the fight.
There are still those who feel that the low blow that landed on Usyk wasn’t really a low blow. On top of that, the referee’s behavior, as well as the generous amount of time it took Usyk to recover, have led to raised eyebrows regarding the fight. Naturally, more people would believe Dubois got a raw deal if Usyk hadn’t gone on to stop the man in the 9th. Had the fight gone to the cards, the mere fact that Dubois had gone to the final bell would give credence to an accusation of unfair treatment. Since Usyk sent his opponent to the canvas in both the 8th and 9th, however, Usyk’s victory became more definitive.
And now many, if not most, fans are disinterested in seeing Usyk battle Dubois again. Usyk defeated Tyson Fury for the second time last weekend, and now appears to be at the zenith of his Hall of Fame caliber career. The overall opinion seems to be that Usyk-Dubois 2 would have a been-there, done-that vibe to it. That perhaps is true, but that doesn’t mean the fight shouldn’t happen.
Besides, Dubois is the IBF heavyweight champion. If Usyk bests him again, he’ll once more be undisputed. While Usyk-Dubois 2 wouldn’t generate the interest Usyk’s fights with Fury and Anthony Joshua did, it would take away any last whiff of unfinished businesses that might still be hovering over Usyk’s reputation…provided, of course, that Usyk wins. And that Dubois bests former titlist Joseph Parker when they meet in February of the coming year. It’s good to keep in mind that Usyk is now closer to thirty than he is to forty years of age. It’s doubtful that he’ll be fighting all that much longer. Should he face Dubois again, he will have truly cleaned out the heavyweight division…unless, of course, he’s bested by Dubois.
A body language expert says Tyson Fury’s behavior showed he was not confident about winning the Oleksandr Usyk rematch.
Fury suffered his second loss to the Ukrainian, losing a unanimous decision. It rules out any hope or need for a trilogy fight, as Usyk will go down as the best heavyweight of this era. Fury looked much more comfortable in the build-up compared to the first bout, raising hopes he could win. In the first fight, Fury showed visible signs that he was not 100 percent in the right frame of mind. During the kick-off press conference, he butted heads with Usyk, trying to exert his physical advantage over him.
But the Ukrainian stood his ground, showing he was not going to be intimidated. During the final face-off in the presser for the first fight, Fury refused to look at Usyk. Usyk stood alone at the face-off, staring directly at Fury, whose focus was on the crowd. Usyk ultimately won that fight via a split decision.
In the rematch, Fury’s demeanour changed. He was much more on the offensive, saying he would knock out Usyk.
During their final face-off, he locked eyes with Usyk, and the two stared each other down for over ten minutes. As they were being separated, Fury fired verbal shots at Usyk, who once again refused to back down. But when it came to the fight, Judi James noticed something different. She felt Fury’s sudden gasp of air before the fight began, showed a fighter who was looking for this to be over as soon as possible. Perhaps that was a sign he was not ready to do whatever it took to get the win.
“There was one key gesture though that seemed to signal a motivational glitch or problem and which acted as a red flag in terms of his chances of winning this fight. A very chilling gesture of the puffing out of air as he got down to the business of the fight suggested he just wanted to get it over with, whereas successful boxers tend to look excited by and longing for the fight itself. ‘Some of the best boxers have approached their fights looking like dogs pulling to get off the leash and get stuck in,” Judi James said
James was also not convinced by Fury’s victory celebrations in the aftermath. The following picture shows him with both arms aloft in the air as a sign he was confident of a win. But the wider body language may suggest this was an act to convince himself he had done enough. Tyson was also adamant he won the first fight, with many clearing seeing Usyk as the winner. The boxing stats had Usyk as the winner again. He landed more punches, with 179, compared to Fury’s 142. Even the AI scoring had Usyk winning 118-112.
“The way he then rubbed his nose in a cut-off gesture made the victory displays look like acted bravado though and he stared at the press with wide, rounded eyes from a battered face while his deep sighs registered sadness. ‘His “I won that fight” came with a smacking of the lips and then a lip clamp to suggest he’d hear no argument. ‘But then the hurt began to show. Fury rocked in his chair in a self-comfort ritual and in a micro-gesture of pain he shook his head from side to side, rubbed his mouth and closed his eyes in a wince,” James added
The boxing world witnessed something special last Saturday as Oleksandr Usyk faced Tyson Fury in what fans called “the fight of the millennium.”
The 37-year-old Ukrainian didn’t just defend his heavyweight titles – the WBA Super, WBC, WBO, and The Ring – he proved why he’s at the top of the sport.
Their first bout in May ended with Usyk winning by split decision, leaving room for debate. This time was different. After twelve rounds of masterful boxing, all judges agreed: Usyk wasn’t just the winner, he was the better fighter.
His journey to the top has been a wild ride – full of unlikely twists, perfect timing, and the kind of determination that turns sparring partners into champions.
Before diving into his story, you need to understand something about Usyk – he’s probably the most entertaining champion boxing has seen in years.
“How do you feel?” asked a journalist before a 2015 fight. “I am very feel,” replied Oleksandr Usyk with a grin, creating boxing’s most endearing catchphrase.
Years later, when even Cristiano Ronaldo referenced this moment in conversation with Usyk, the boxer – now much better in English – smiled and repeated his famous phrase. Just for fun. Because that’s who Usyk is.
Usyk wasn’t always the star of the show. He was just a sparring partner on the Ukrainian national team back then. But then fate played its hand—one guy got caught doping, another broke his hand, and suddenly Usyk got his shot.
But here’s the kicker – he was fighting guys 7-8 kilograms heavier because he didn’t have time to bulk up. And he was winning.
This pattern of turning challenges into opportunities would define his career. After a disappointing second-round loss to Italy’s Clemente Russo in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Usyk responded by winning both European and World Championships. The story came full circle at the 2012 London Olympics, where he defeated Russo for the gold medal.
His training methods are kind of insane
Usyk’s approach to training seems designed to redefine what’s possible. While most people struggle to hold their breath for a minute, this man casually goes without air for 4 minutes and 40 seconds—longer than some sea creatures! While larger dolphins like the bottlenose can stay underwater for 8-10 minutes, Usyk’s lung capacity actually surpasses smaller cetaceans like the Maui dolphin, which typically surfaces every 2-3 minutes.
Before fighting Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, he cycled 100 kilometers in 40-degree Celsius heat. He once swam 10 kilometers over five hours before a London press conference. Because apparently, regular training is too mainstream for Usyk.
If you thought Usyk’s training was unconventional, wait till you see his ring entrances. This guy doesn’t just walk to the ring – he turns every entrance into a performance art piece.
For his first clash with Fury in May 2024, he showed up dressed as a 17th-century Ukrainian Cossack warrior. We’re talking full traditional gear inspired by historical leader Bohdan Khmelnytskyi himself.
But he wasn’t done yet. For their December rematch, Usyk took things to a whole new level. Picture this: he walks out wearing this incredibly detailed Ukrainian outfit while a live choir belts out an ancient Cossack battle hymn mixed with techno beats. His robe was decked out in blue and yellow patterns with a massive Tryzub symbol – Ukraine’s national emblem. Because apparently, regular entrance music is also too mainstream for Usyk.
Here’s something most people don’t know: Usyk nearly went to theater school instead of boxing. Boxing won out, but he never abandoned his artistic ambitions. After starting with a role in a 2017 Ukrainian film, The Fight Rules, and voicing cartoon characters, he’s about to hit Hollywood big time.
In 2025, you’ll see him alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in The Smashing Machine, where he portrays a Ukrainian MMA fighter.
And his first love was actually football
Growing up in Simferopol, now Russian-occupied Crimea, young Usyk dreamed of football glory until financial constraints forced him to quit the sport. But his passion never faded.
Today, he’s not just a fan—he signed a professional contract with a Ukrainian club, FC Polissia Zhytomyr, and made his debut in 2022.
These days, he’s also a businessman
The recent bout with Fury earned Usyk $114 million, but he isn’t just about boxing money. He’s built a business empire that employs a hundred people. He’s got merchandise lines, a promotion company, and even created a social network for boxers to find sparring partners.
You can’t miss Usyk in the ring – his traditional Cossack hairstyle(the mohawk-like “oseledets”) has become his signature.
He’s transformed the Ukrainian warrior tradition into a global brand, introducing millions to Ukrainian culture through both his appearance and his victory Hopak dance – as Ukrainian as borsch.
Beyond the ring, Usyk is a family man – a devoted father of four and a man of deep faith. He’s emerged as one of Ukraine’s most powerful voices on the global stage, especially as his country fights against Russian aggression.
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Here’s another thing about Usyk – he could have had an easier path. When Russia occupied Crimea in 2014, many athletes from the peninsula faced a choice. Some stayed, some took Russian citizenship, some left. Usyk packed his bags and moved his family to Kyiv.
It wasn’t a comfortable choice. He left behind his home, his training base, and many friends. But when asked about it, Usyk answered in his characteristically straightforward way: “I’m from Crimea. But Crimea is Ukraine.” Simple as that.
Now look at him today – strutting into the ring in wildly creative outfits that always feature Ukrainian elements, from traditional patterns to Cossack symbols. It’s not just for show. Every entrance tells the same story: this is who I am, this is what I choose to be – a Ukrainian athlete bringing his nation’s fighting spirit to the global stage. Very feel, indeed.
Jeff Mayweather says Tyson Fury did not take enough risks, which is why he came up short against Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk secured another victory against Fury via a unanimous decision to retain his unified heavyweight titles. It was the second defeat of Fury’s career, ending any need for a trilogy fight. Once again, Fury was upset with the result, being adamant that he had done enough to win. Frank Warren also came out to say he could not understand the judging, as all three scorecards were 116-112 in favor of Usyk. However, the boxing statistics showed that the Ukrainian was the better fighter.
Usyk landed 179 punches compared to Fury’s 144. Fury threw more punches at 509 compared to Usyk’s 423. But the Ukrainian was the more accurate fighter. The card also used AI scoring for the first time in boxing’s history. The AI scorecards had it an even wider win for Usyk at 118-112. Mayweather has now given his take on what went wrong. He felt Fury did not take enough chances going into the latter part of the fight, which ultimately proved the difference, as Usyk finished stronger.
“The fight was extremely close. It could go either way, but I’ll lean a little bit toward Tyson. Every other round, he [Usyk] would do good, but not as much as Tyson did. Usyk is taking over the heavyweights. They’re all getting beat by Usyk. So, probably not. I don’t think anyone wants to see a third fight [between Fury and Usyk]. The first fight to me was very good. The second fight was mediocre. Neither one of them did too much. Basically, I think, both guys were fighting safe, and that’s probably why Tyson didn’t get the fight. He was fighting too safe,” Mayweather said
It is one thing to say that but another thing entirely to execute it. A large part of Fury’s problem was that he could not keep up with Usyk’s constant pressure. The Ukrainian is known for his impeccable footwork, as he continuously put his front foot on the outside, allowing him to get into position to let that left hand go. Fury also came in heavier than the first fight, which may have had an impact later down the stretch. Although it could have helped Fury sit down on his punches, if he attempted to get the knockout, he would ultimately carry more pounds.
There is also a suggestion that Fury did not risk going for the knockout, given what happened in the first fight. He ultimately lost a split decision but was almost stopped in the ninth round, only for the referee to intervene by imposing a standing eight count. If Fury continues boxing, he is likely to face Anthony Joshua. While he was stopped against Daniel Dubois, AJ is known for letting off huge combinations. And if Fury wants to come out victorious in the big fights, he must take more chances.
Martin Bakole poses the most dangerous threat to Oleksandr Usyk and would knock out the unified world heavyweight champion, says trainer Billy Nelson.
Usyk retained his WBO, WBA and WBC belts with another masterful performance to beat Tyson Fury via unanimous decision in the pair’s tense rematch in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Bakole (21-1) is meanwhile coming off his biggest statement display yet after flooring Jared Anderson three times on the way to a fifth-round knockout victory back in August.
“I thought Usyk’s performance against Fury wasn’t quite as good or sharp as the first fight. I personally scored the fight a draw, it was very close,” Bakole’s trainer Nelson told Sky Sports.
“Giving either of the fighters four rounds on the scorecards was an injustice to the other boxer. I do believe Martin has got the skills and ability to dethrone Usyk.
“More importantly, I think Usyk and his team think Martin has got the ability to do it. They have shared a ring on quite a few occasions, namely in Ukraine and Dubai.
“The attributes Martin has got is unlike others; he will close the gap down against Usyk very quickly and set traps. I haven’t seen traps being set in his two fights against Tyson.”
Bakole was recently ordered to face Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba in order to determine the mandatory challenger to the IBF heavyweight title, currently held by Daniel Dubois.
Dubois, who knocked out Anthony Joshua in September, interrupted Usyk’s post-fight interview in the ring on Saturday night to demand a rematch against the Ukrainian after his ninth-round knockout defeat in August 2023.
Usyk has vowed to take a break in order to spend time with his family after his rematch victory over Fury, but seemingly has zero intention of walking away just yet despite cementing his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in history.
“You can rest assured that Usyk knows Martin is very dangerous, probably the most dangerous, guy out there,” said Nelson.
“I know Daniel has also said he wants to have the Usyk rematch; I don’t think anybody wants to see that because that was a domination.
“I believe Usyk won every single round against Dubois, even given that low blow, which was a low blow, the referee immediately said it was, so we don’t need to go there. He got beat, he got dropped twice and basically quit at the end of the fight.
“The best challenger out there for Oleksandr Usyk, who is a phenomenal fighter, would be Martin Bakole. I believe, and more importantly, Martin believes, he would knock him out.”
The question has left many wondering what the man on the top of the mountain will do. The fans saw him do the unthinkable again. He slayed Tyson Fury for a second time, and with him turning 38 next year, the fans are intrigued about his future. While there is nothing concrete, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has left a major clue.
Usyk, 37, handed a defeat to Fury, 36, in their rematch this past Saturday and held on to his unified heavyweight title. The fight, marred with controversy, solidified the Ukrainian fighter’s legacy, and some might even go on to argue that he could hang up the boxing gloves. However, Daniel Dubois doesn’t think that way. He wants revenge. And he tried to set up the fight he had been looking for almost a year now after he collected a loss against ‘The Cat’. He even stormed into the ring to set the wheels in motion, and it seems it has worked.
Alalshikh, 43, turned to his X handle and shared what he had planned. For Usyk, at 23-0, he revealed a future fight with the winner of ‘Triple D’ vs. Joseph Parker. He wrote, “Usyk told me he is ready to do any fight in the future , we agreed he rest for now and nothing before the result between Dubois and Parker.”
Notably, Dubois, 27, will defend the IBF title against Parker, 32, on February 22, and the winner could be booked to fight Usyk next. The fight could set up another undisputed crown ceremony. But will it happen? Will Usyk take the fight, especially given his age and his desire to move down to cruiserweight?
When the latter interrupted his festivities, the two-division undisputed champion was keen to give Dubois his revenge match. Many criticized the British boxer for his antics, which led to Usyk demanding HE Turki Alalshikh to arrange the fight. Interestingly, before the Fury fight, Usyk admitted he wanted to move down to cruiserweight. He told Sky Sports, “I’ll try and go back to cruiserweight again. Yeah, I will try.”
Before the February 22 card and its result shake up the heavyweight division, Usyk can have his much-needed rest. He was eager to spend holidays with his family, too. He said, “I’m gonna go home now and enjoy it. We go home to a new year. Let’s see what it brings.” So, it remains to be seen when the fans can see him in the ring next. It could be sooner than most of us expected it to be.
Following his latest win over Tyson Fury this past weekend to retain his heavyweight titles, Oleksandr Usyk appeared at the post fight press conference to talk to the media about his thoughts on the win.
Here’s some of what Usyk had to say about the fight.
Usyk on what he was thinking heading into the last round of the fight
“I don’t think about it, I’m just boxing. I’m just continue my plan, what say Yuri, my coach.”
On whether this second fight was easier than the first
“Fight was easy — not easy but easier.”
On his bond with Fury after two full fights at the highest level of the sport
“Tyson my best friend. Listen, I very respect this guy because I think it’s very tough, my opponent. Tyson Fury make me strong…Tyson is a great opponent, it’s a big man, a tough boxer. It’s a good man. Tyson, a lot of talk, yeah? It’s just show. I very respect Tyson Fury. 24 rounds, listen, now is already history.”
On Fury calling the win a Christmas gift and Frank Warren saying he can’t see how the judges scored the fight for him
“Uncle Frank, I think blind. If Tyson say it’s Christmas gift, okay. Thank you God, not Tyson…Listen, Frank crazy man, you know, I think. That’s my opinion. Ok, no problem. I win.”
Oleksandr Usyk took a repeat victory over Tyson Fury to defend his WBC, WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles and prove his greatness; Usyk explained why Fury is his toughest opponent and perfect rival, while the Ukrainian’s promoter cautions Daniel Dubois ahead of Joseph Parker fight
Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter. He proved that over the course of his two bouts with Tyson Fury.
Usyk won both on the scorecards, converting a split decision in their first fight to a unanimous verdict in their second.
Fury was adamant the judges were wrong, but that was a claim Usyk simply dismissed.
“Okay no problem. I win,” the unified WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion said.
“I win, it’s enough.”
But it was against Fury that Usyk was able to demonstrate his capacity for greatness. Fury was the perfect rival for him.
“He’s my best friend,” Usyk joked. But he added with sincerity: “I very much respect this guy because I think he’s very tough, my opponent. Tyson Fury makes me strong.
“Tyson Fury is a great opponent, big and tough. He’s a good man. Tyson does a lot of talk. It’s just [for] show. I respect him very much. Twenty-four rounds, listen now it’s already history.”
Usyk has earned the right to recuperate from another taxing fight, although Daniel Dubois, the holder of the IBF title, was the first to call him out for a four-belt unification.
“My next step. I’m going to rest,” Usyk said. “Not think about boxing, Dubois, Tyson Fury. Just rest. Just play with my children.”
The Ukrainian’s promoter Alex Krassyuk also noted: “Dubois has to fight Joseph Parker and this is a very tough fight for him.
“It’s too early to mention Daniel’s name in regards to Usyk.”
Usyk’s greatness is not only due to his excellence in the boxing ring, amassing all the disparate championship belts, first at cruiserweight, then at heavyweight while beating all of the best fighters in each of those divisions.
He stands for something. After defeating Fury, Usyk he held aloft a sabre, an artefact dispatched from a museum, that a “hetman” or field marshall had wielded in a 17th century war against Russia. Usyk knew he represented the struggle of his people against the current Russian invasion.
Oleksandr Usyk is still the king of the heavyweight division. The future Hall of Famer closed the book on his rivalry with Tyson Fury in brilliant fashion on Saturday, once again coming on strong in the middle and late rounds to claim a unanimous decision over Fury and defend his WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles in a back-and-forth bout at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
All three ringside judges scored the bout 116-112 for Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs), who also won a closely contested split decision over Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) in May to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of boxing’s four-belt era.
Usyk, 37, now seals the rivalry at 2-0 and likely puts Fury, 36, behind him for good.
Afterward, Usyk’s post-fight interview was interrupted by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, who called for a chance to rematch Usyk after he defends his belt against Joseph Parker on Feb. 22. Usyk accepted Dubois’ callout, having already defeated Dubois via ninth-round knockout in August 2023.
A disappointed Fury departed the ring without speaking, however Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren expressed frustration with the decision and said he believed Fury should’ve won.
In the night’s co-featured bout, 19-year-old Moses Itauma made a thunderous statement as the potential future of boxing’s heavyweight division, knocking out Demsey McKean in less than two minutes.
Itauma (11-0, 9 KOs) celebrates his 20th birthday on Dec. 28 and remains on track to potentially break Mike Tyson’s record as boxing’s youngest heavyweight champion ever, though he’d have to do so in 2025.
McKean (22-2, 14 KOs) has now lost two fights in a row after starting his pro career a perfect 22-0.
Relive all the action with full Usyk vs. Fury 2 results, highlights and Uncrowned’s full card live blog below.
Following a second successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia with world titles on the line, Tyson Fury was naturally asked about his future in the sport.
Having retired a handful of times already, fans could be forgiven for taking his career announcements with a pinch of salt.
Those announcements came from a position of great power – one of boxing’s top draws and an undefeated heavyweight champion.
Now, a Ukrainian he often belittled as a blown-up middleweight – whom he also chastised Anthony Joshua for losing to twice – has, you guessed it… beaten him twice.
The two-time heavyweight champion stormed out of the ring once his promoter Frank Warren showed him the scorecards for the fight which read 116-112 across the board from the human judges and 118-112 from the first-time ever AI judge.
Backstage, Fury insisted to the following pack of media that he had won that fight by at least three rounds.
Without saying he was cheated in Saudi Arabia, the Brit would heavily imply it.
In the press conference, he was flatly asked what’s next for him after coming up short in undisputed and then unified title fights, signalling the first losses of his entire professional career.
‘You might see me fight again, you might not,’ he cryptically answered.
But most of the boxing world suspects we do indeed see him fight again and finally, against Anthony Joshua.
The domestic dust-up has been mooted for the best part of a decade, ever since Fury first became champion when he dethroned Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015.
Just over four months later, Joshua became a champion in his own right by demolishing Charles Martin inside two rounds at the O2 Arena, and the all-British clash looked like the obvious fight to make.
Yet fans have still never seen Fury and Joshua settle their differences inside the ring. That could soon change.
Both men would be entering the bout off the back of defeats after Joshua was dominated by Daniel Dubois in September, but there remains interest in how it would all unfold.
We could find out in 2025, with Wembley Stadium beckoning for what remains arguably the biggest commercial fight in world boxing.
Alternatively, Fury could finally walk away once and for all. The two-time heavyweight king has climbed to the top of the mountain, beating the likes of Klitschko and Deontay Wilder along the way.
Now, he has a big decision to make over whether to fight on or hang up his gloves for good.
