Daniel Dubois weighs in 16lb heavier than Oleksandr Usyk for rematch
Daniel Dubois has weighed in 16lb heavier than Oleksandr Usyk ahead of their mouthwatering rematch on Saturday night.
The two stars are set to clash in what promises to be a historic Wembley showdown in front of over 90,000 fans. There is a little more at stake for both men on fight night - with the undisputed heavyweight title up for grabs. Usyk will be hoping to claim the aforementioned prize for a second time since moving up from cruiserweight.
As for Dubois, the young Brit is eager to catch the coveted prize for the first time in his career and become the first British heavyweight to win the undisputed strap since Lennox Lewis back in 1999. Usyk has all the bragging rights coming into the fight having won the first encounter back in 2023 with a vicious ninth round knockout. The dust-up was not without drama after 'Triple D' thought he dropped the Ukrainian in the fifth round, but it was eventually ruled a low blow.
But before they touch gloves for a second time, they must first conquer the first battle, weighing in. Dubois tipped the scales at 243.8lb, while Usyk came in at 227.3lb. To put it into context, when the pair clashed two years ago, the Ukrainian weighed in at 220.9lb, while 'Triple D' tipped the scales at 233.2lb.
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It comes as no surprise to see the former undisputed cruiserweight come in significantly lighter than his upcoming opponent. Ahead of the clash, Dubois promised to 'nail Usyk to the canvas' this time - with the expectation that he will attempt to bully the Ukrainian with his bigger size and strength.
Recent pictures that emerged before the official weigh-ins showed that Dubois was clearly going for a heavier approach. Over the last few years, 'Triple D' has bulked up significantly. The 27-year-old tends to be closer to the 250lb mark. For his last outing against Anthony Joshua, the Brit tipped the scales at a career-heaviest 248lbs.
Both men - despite looking raring to go - kept it short and sweet immediately after the weigh-ins. "I am locked in and focused... I cannot wait!" Said Dubois. When asked for his prediction, the 27-year-old replied. "I am going to win by any means necessary." As for Usyk, the Ukrainian was also short of words, saying: "For me it is a great opportunity... for my people and my country. Thank you for Jesus Christ. See you tomorrow!"
Throughout his career, the Brit has faced accusations of being a 'quitter' after taking a knee against Joe Joyce and failing to beat the count against Usyk. And the Ukrainian's team are confident that Dubois will fold under pressure once again. "It is the same guy. What can he change in a couple of years? You cannot train your mind and that is what I think his weaknesses are," said Usyk's manager Egis Klimas.
Dubois' promoter Frank Warren hit back at Team Usyk's claim. "We will see on Saturday," he said. "He certainly trained his mind against (Jarrell) Miller, he certainly trained his mind against (Filip) Hrgovic and he certainly trained his mind against 'AJ'... in a big way. And he has got better and better and he has shown his power. His power, I mean he knows he can hurt Mr Usyk. He knows that. He has felt the power and he is a much better fighter from two and a half years ago."
The British heavyweight weighed in on the topic, saying: "He's making the mistake of believing I'm still the same boy he beat in our first fight two and a half years ago. Wrong. I'm in my prime now. Right now, I just want to get it on. I'm going to write my own script. I'm going to win these belts. I'm going to be the man."
When is Oleksansdr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois?Usyk and Dubois are set to meet for a second time on Saturday, July 19, at Wembley Stadium - exclusively live on DAZN PPV. Saturday night's whole fight card will be available live on DAZN PPV priced at £24.99 in the UK; $59.99 in the US; $19.99/equivalent in ROW .
The DAZN broadcast will begin at around 5:30pm BST (12.30pm ET / 9.30am PT) with the first undercard fight set to begin at around 5.40pm BST ( 12.40pm ET / 9.40am PT). The pair are expected to undertake their ringwalks at 9:45pm BST (4:45pm ET / 1:45pm PT).