Oleksandr Usyk is bidding to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
The 38-year-old from Ukraine defeated Tyson Fury last May to become the first undisputed champion of the ‘four belt era’, although he was forced to vacate his IBF crown just over 1-month later.
Usyk went on to defeat ‘The Gypsy King’ for the second time in their rematch on December 21, although the bout would only be contested for the unified WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.
The man who picked up the vacant IBF heavyweight title after Usyk’s decision to vacate the belt was Britain’s Daniel Dubois, who made the first successful defence of his crown with a dominant stoppage victory over two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua last September.
After months of speculation, it was announced on April 27 that Usyk and Dubois would lock horns for a second time at Wembley Stadium on Saturday July 19, two years on from their controversial first encounter in Poland, which was steeped in controversy after the Brit floored Usyk with a body shot in the fifth round, which was subsequently ruled a low blow.
Speaking on Podlounge UK, Dubois vowed to defeat the Ukrainian superstar in their highly anticipated rematch, as he claims he will send the unbeaten 38-year-old into retirement.
“I’ll smash him next time, smash him for sure. It’ll be a good fight but I’m a different fighter now, every fight I’ve had has improved me and I’m battle-hardened, whoever wants it can get it. These guys they’re getting older so I’ll send them all into retirement.”
Usyk will have the opportunity to become the first two-time undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing history if he can prevail against Dubois once again, although the 27-year-old from London is on a fine run of form which has saw him defeat Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua in his last three career outings.
