Daniel Dubois deserves a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk

By: Sean Crose

IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois deserves a second chance against WBO, WBC and WBA heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Although Usyk ended the first fight between the two men in August 2023 in thunderous fashion, that victory was at times overshadowed by a controversial incident that occurred in the 5th round of that bout. It was then that Usyk was brought down by a shot from Dubois which was controversially ruled a low blow. The referee then made it clear that he wanted Usyk to take a good amount of time to fully recover before returning to action. Suffice it to say, it took Usyk more than three minutes before resuming the fight.

There are still those who believe that the low blow dealt to Usyk was not really a low blow. Beyond that, the referee’s behavior, as well as the generous time Usyk took to recover, raised eyebrows about the fight. Of course, a lot more people would have believed that Dubois got a bad deal if Usyk hadn’t continued man-stopping in the 9th. Had the fight gone, the mere fact that Dubois made it to the final bell would have lent credence to a charge of unfair treatment. However, as Usyk knocked out his opponent in both the 8th and 9th, Usyk’s victory became more definitive.

And now many, if not most, fans are not interested in seeing Usyk fight Dubois again. Usyk defeated Tyson Fury for the second time last weekend and now appears to be at the peak of his Hall of Fame career. The general consensus seems to be that Usyk-Dubois 2 would have had that vibe. This may be true, but it does not mean that the clash should not happen.

Additionally, Dubois is the IBF heavyweight champion. If Usyk beats him once again, he will once again be undisputed. While Usyk-Dubois 2 wouldn’t generate the interest Usyk’s fights with Fury and Anthony Joshua did, it would eliminate any last whiffs of unfinished business that may still loom over Usyk’s reputation… provided, of course, that Usyk wins. And that Dubois beats former titlist Joseph Parker when they meet in February next year. It’s worth keeping in mind that Usyk is now closer to thirty than forty. It is unlikely he will fight much longer. If he were to face Dubois again, he will truly have cleaned up the heavyweight division… unless, of course, he gets beaten by Dubois.