By: Sean Crose
The thrill for this one has been relatively low key right here within the States. Maybe it’s as a result of no American fighter is concerned or perhaps it’s as a result of the struggle received’t be broadcast in prime time within the America. Greater than possible, nonetheless, it’s as a result of WBA, WBC, and WBO world titlist Oleksandr Usyk has already fought IBF heavyweight titlist Daniel Dubois as soon as earlier than and emerged victorious. As a result of Usyk stopped Dubois within the ninth spherical of their 2023 struggle, this weekend’s rematch between the 2 males could all seem to be outdated information. It’s a mistake to view this matchup as irrelevant, nonetheless. To begin with, the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world is at stake. That in and of itself makes this a serious occasion.
There’s additionally the matter of the primary struggle these two had just a few years again, as effectively. Though he received the struggle in violent style, Usyk was severely harm by Usyk within the fifth by what many say was a low blow and what others name a clear shot on the beltline (the shot appeared clear to this author). After having been given a past beneficiant period of time to get well by the referee, Usyk went on to conquer Dubois 4 rounds later that evening. Nonetheless, there was a whiff of controversy to the bout, which makes Saturday’s rematch (which can be broadcast dwell on DAZN pay per view from London) extra intriguing than it in any other case could be. So, whose going to win?
Most could disagree, however I don’t see this being a straightforward struggle for Usyk. Dubois has confidence to spare main into this one. What’s extra, the 27 12 months outdated titlist is a few full decade youthful than the getting older Usyk. Moreover, the 22-2 Dubois polished off Anthony Joshua inside 5 rounds final fall. He appeared very aggressive and potent that evening and it’s price remembering that was the final time we noticed him within the ring. There’s no strategy to say it was a fluke all star efficiency. Search for the Englishman go in onerous on Saturday, particularly to Usyk’s physique. Look additionally for Dubois to attempt to smother Usyk to be able to stifle the Ukrainian nice’s herky-jerky fashion.
In the end, nonetheless, none of that can possible be sufficient for Dubois. He could also be getting older, and he could have had a VERY full schedule for himself, having bested Dubois as soon as and Joshua in addition to Tyson Fury twice a chunk, however I anticipate Usyk’s unbelievable self-discipline to inform the story right here. Dubois is a formidable opponent, one who has solely gotten higher over time. Usyk, nonetheless, has the power to typically keep a stellar ring efficiency for spherical after spherical. That in itself can break an opponent mentally. Not that I anticipate Dubois to be mentally damaged. Just like the 23-0 Usyk’s different ring foes, nonetheless, I anticipate Usyk’s excessive stage consistency to inform the story ultimately.
Usyk by majority determination in a harder than anticipated outing. Count on media to accuse Usyk of being in decline afterward.
