The proposed rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, for the undisputed heavyweight title, could be bound for London’s Wembley Stadium, according to Usyk’s promoter.
Usyk and Dubois first fought for the IBF, WBA and WBO titles in August 2023, when, following controversy regarding a punch thrown by Dubois that was ruled low, Usyk won via stoppage.
Dubois, 27, has since admirably rebuilt via stoppages of Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, in so doing earning and defending the IBF title that Usyk vacated between his victories over Tyson Fury.
It was at the conclusion of the second of those victories, in December, that Dubois confronted the 38-year-old Usyk and demanded a rematch. Dubois was to defend his title against Joseph Parker on February 22, until illness forced his withdrawal during fight week, but instead of a fight with Parker being rescheduled the priority of both camps appears to be agreeing Usyk-Dubois II.
“We are now working on this fight [Usyk vs Dubois II],” Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk told Sky Sports. “Wembley as one of the options.”
Dubois, who on Sunday was named the British Boxing Board of Control’s boxer of the year for 2024 – his trainer Don Charles was awarded the trainer’s equivalent – had previously told the same news outlet: “My next fight I’m working towards. I’m ready for it now.
“I’ve got to be even better than I was against ‘AJ’. That was just what it was at the time. A special moment but I need to be even better than I was.
“Still the kingslayer. I’m the man that beat the man. Bring them on.”
When receiving his award, Charles had said: “Daniel Dubois [has] set the whole scene alight. But it’s not complete. There’s so much more work to do.”