If you were to turn back the clock to November 2020 and suggest that one day Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois would be squaring off in a unified heavyweight title bout, you’d likely have been met with skepticism and disbelief across boxing circles. Fast forward to today, and this improbable showdown is set to captivate the boxing world this Saturday. The unlikely clash is scheduled to take place in Wroclaw, Poland, with fans tuning in via ESPN+ in the United States.
Rewinding to the fall of 2020, the idea of either Usyk or Dubois being legitimate threats to the heavyweight throne seemed implausible. On October 31, 2020, Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, embarked on his second heavyweight outing against Derek Chisora. This fight was viewed as a litmus test for heavyweights eyeing a title shot. While Usyk emerged victorious, the battle was anything but easy. Chisora’s size and brawling style posed considerable challenges, leading some to question whether Usyk’s relatively smaller stature could stand up to the heavyweight division’s giants.
In a parallel narrative, Daniel Dubois faced Joe Joyce a month later in a matchup to determine a top contender. Dubois entered as the favorite but suffered a surprising tenth-round TKO defeat, raising doubts about his resilience and determination. Unfair criticism followed, as he endured accusations of quitting due to a fractured eye socket and nerve damage. Dubois’ commitment to the sport was further questioned in early 2021 as he contemplated his future in the ring.
Remarkably, both Usyk and Dubois managed to silence their doubters over the next two years. Usyk’s triumph over Anthony Joshua in September 2021 to claim the unified heavyweight title was a turning point. He repeated his victory in a Saudi Arabian rematch, even securing the Ring Magazine title during Tyson Fury’s brief hiatus. Usyk’s performance demonstrated that his skill transcended size limitations, as he outboxed, absorbed powerful shots from, and even hurt opponents larger than himself.
Dubois, too, embarked on a redemption journey. He rebounded from his defeat, knocking out opponents and eventually securing a version of the WBA’s heavyweight title. His defining moment came against Kevin Lerena, where he battled back from a shredded knee and three knockdowns to secure a TKO victory, showcasing his indomitable spirit.
The unexpected opportunity for a Usyk-Dubois clash arose due to Tyson Fury’s decision to face Francis Ngannou, leaving Usyk without a dance partner. Dubois’ mentality encapsulates the essence of this bout: a battle of all or nothing. Despite entering the fight as a +650 underdog, Dubois is fueled by the belief that he can conquer the odds. With Don Charles, the strategist behind Chisora’s spirited challenge against Usyk, in his corner, Dubois seeks to exploit physicality as a potential key to upsetting the balance.
As the improbable encounter draws near, the boxing world is reminded that stranger things have indeed transpired in this unpredictable sport. The unlikely collision between Usyk and Dubois stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unforeseeable narratives that shape the world of heavyweight boxing.