Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois have been talking tough ahead of their high-stakes showdown in their much-anticipated rematch, with the undisputed heavyweight title on the line this Saturday, July 19, at Wembley Stadium in London.

Their first encounter in August 2023 ended in a dramatic ninth-round knockout victory for Usyk, who recovered from a controversial low blow to retain his titles. This time, Dubois is determined to flip the script and cement his legacy in the heavyweight division.

Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC champion, weighed in at a career-heaviest 227.3 pounds. His British rival, Daniel Dubois, who now holds the IBF heavyweight title after a sensational win over Anthony Joshua last year, tipped the scales at 243.8 pounds.

Dubois is chasing history, aiming to become Britain’s first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis. The 27-year-old is entering this rematch with renewed confidence and momentum after a strong run of form.

“I’m locked in, focused, and I can’t wait,” said Dubois during Friday’s tense weigh-in. “I’m going to win by any means necessary.”

But Usyk, ever the showman, had the final word. After a brief stare-down, he stepped forward, flexed his muscles to block Dubois from view, and drew rapturous cheers from the crowd. Dubois, visibly irritated by the crowd’s response and his opponent’s antics, walked off the stage shaking his head.

The rematch marks the final face-off before both fighters clash under the lights of Wembley, where over 90,000 fans are expected to witness a defining moment in modern heavyweight boxing.

For Usyk, this fight represents another opportunity to further his legend. Already a two-division undisputed champion, having previously unified the cruiserweight titles, the 38-year-old is unbeaten in 23 professional fights and carries a calm aura of dominance.

“It’s a great opportunity for my people and my country. See you tomorrow,” Usyk said, keeping his message short and powerful.

Saturday’s bout will determine who truly reigns supreme in the heavyweight division. Can Dubois rise to the occasion and dethrone the unbeaten Ukrainian? Or will Usyk once again outclass and outmanoeuvre his challenger to unify all four major belts? (BusinessDay)