This Thursday, Oleksandr Usyk is set to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated heavyweight rematch in Saudi Arabia. After narrowly defeating Fury via split decision in their first encounter, Usyk aims to solidify his legacy with another victory.
But what lies ahead if the Ukrainian secures back-to-back wins against the WBC heavyweight champion? According to Usyk’s manager, Egis Klimas, a rematch with Daniel Dubois could be the next logical step in his illustrious career.
Speaking to DAZN, Klimas explained why Dubois might be the ideal opponent for Usyk if he emerges victorious this weekend.
“Daniel Dubois looked very good in his last fight against Joshua, and now he’s holding the IBF title,” Klimas stated. “If Usyk beats Fury, then I think it would be a good rematch with Dubois to become undisputed x 2 in the heavyweight division or undisputed x 3 in the whole of boxing’s history. That would be fantastic.”
Dubois, who is currently riding high after an impressive victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium, poses an intriguing challenge. Despite suffering a ninth-round stoppage defeat to Usyk earlier this year, the British heavyweight has displayed remarkable improvement and resilience, making a potential rematch far more competitive.
The first encounter between Usyk and Dubois was not without controversy. In the early rounds, Dubois managed to drop Usyk with a body shot that was controversially deemed low by the referee. The decision allowed Usyk time to recover, and he eventually secured a TKO victory in the ninth round.
While Usyk retained his titles in that bout, many fans and analysts debated whether Dubois’ punch should have been considered legal. A rematch would provide both fighters an opportunity to settle the score definitively.
Since his loss to Usyk, Dubois has undergone a career revival. Most notably, he captured the IBF heavyweight title and recently defended it in spectacular fashion by knocking out Anthony Joshua in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.
This victory not only reestablished Dubois as a top contender but also added significant weight to Klimas’ suggestion of a rematch. With his newfound momentum, Dubois represents a formidable challenge for Usyk, should the latter defeat Fury this weekend.
For Usyk, a rematch with Dubois would carry significant historical implications. Already a two-time undisputed champion across different weight classes, the opportunity to become a three-time undisputed champion would further cement his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
Moreover, reclaiming the undisputed heavyweight title for the second time would make Usyk the only fighter in modern boxing history to achieve such a feat. This prospect undoubtedly adds allure to a potential rematch with Dubois.
While the idea of a Usyk-Dubois rematch is tantalizing, everything hinges on Usyk’s performance against Tyson Fury in their upcoming bout. A victory would open the door to numerous possibilities, including a clash with Dubois or other top-tier contenders.
As for Dubois, his resurgence has made him a compelling figure in the heavyweight division, and a rematch with Usyk would offer him a chance at redemption while adding another chapter to their growing rivalry.
For now, fans can only speculate about the future while eagerly anticipating this Saturday’s showdown. One thing is certain: Oleksandr Usyk’s journey through the heavyweight division continues to captivate the boxing world.
