Usyk Dominates Dubois, Calls Out Fury for Unification Bout
After a controversial yet successful defense of his heavyweight boxing titles, Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk had a clear message for his British rival Tyson Fury: “I’m ready tomorrow.” This declaration came following Usyk’s ninth-round stoppage win over British challenger Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
The fight was not without its share of drama, as a disputed low blow in the fifth round gave Usyk a chance to recover. Replays showed the punch hitting around Usyk’s belt, but no points were deducted from Dubois. Usyk, fighting for the first time in over a year and buoyed by Ukrainian fans waving their country’s flags, regained his composure and ultimately knocked down Dubois twice in the eighth and ninth rounds before the referee called a halt to the contest.
“I’m ready tomorrow.”
- Oleksandr Usyk, Ukrainian heavyweight champion
Dubois expressed his disappointment, claiming he was “cheated out of victory.” However, Usyk maintained his unbeaten record at 21-0, successfully defending his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles that he won from Anthony Joshua in 2021 and retained in their rematch a year later.
Unification Fight with Fury on the Horizon
The victory could pave the way for a much-anticipated unification fight between Usyk and WBC champion Tyson Fury, a bout that has eluded boxing fans for some time. Fury is scheduled to face former UFC heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou in a non-title matchup in Saudi Arabia this October.
Usyk’s promoters and managers will also have to consider a potential clash with undefeated Croatian Filip Hrgović, the IBF’s mandatory challenger. While Usyk seemed less enthusiastic about facing Hrgović, he emphasized the need for rest, stating, “I go drink sparkling water.”
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