The stage is set for a blockbuster summer showdown as Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois have officially confirmed they will meet once again, this time for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. The highly anticipated rematch is scheduled for July 19, 2025, at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.
Both fighters took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the fight, putting months of speculation to rest. Their posts confirmed earlier reports that negotiations had been finalized for the rematch, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to the English capital.
“This is the fight I wanted and demanded, and now I get my chance for revenge,” Dubois declared in a statement posted on his social media, reflecting his hunger to avenge his previous defeat.
The British heavyweight, who currently holds the IBF world title, has been pushing hard for a second opportunity ever since their controversial first meeting in August 2023. In that bout, held in Poland, Usyk stopped Dubois in the ninth round to retain his titles. However, the match was mired in controversy due to an incident in the fifth round when Dubois landed a punch that sent Usyk crashing to the canvas.
The referee ruled the blow a low shot rather than a legitimate knockdown. Replays later showed the punch landed close to Usyk’s belt line, sparking debates among boxing fans and pundits about whether Dubois had been unfairly denied a knockdown opportunity. No points were deducted, and Usyk was given time to recover before ultimately regaining control and securing the stoppage.
Now, with both men once again at the top of their games, the rematch promises to settle unfinished business.
Oleksandr Usyk, the 38-year-old Ukrainian sensation, remains unbeaten in his professional career and is widely considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world. He currently holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles, having solidified his dominance with a monumental victory over Tyson Fury in December 2024.
In their historic first clash for the undisputed heavyweight championship — the first of its kind since 2000 — Usyk defeated Fury in Saudi Arabia, adding the WBC belt to his already impressive collection. That triumph followed a thrilling initial win over Fury in May 2024, establishing Usyk as the king of the heavyweight division.
However, in order to prioritize his rematch with Fury, Usyk voluntarily vacated the IBF title, allowing the belt to be contested in a separate bout. Daniel Dubois seized the opportunity and claimed the vacant IBF crown with a dominant fifth-round knockout victory over fellow Briton Anthony Joshua in September 2024. The emphatic win revitalized Dubois’ career and set the stage for his long-sought rematch with Usyk.
In a pointed message directed at his rival, Usyk said:
“Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt – now I want it back.”
Usyk’s remarks highlight the stakes of their upcoming encounter, as he seeks to once again become the unified heavyweight champion by reclaiming the IBF title.
For Dubois, the fight represents more than just a shot at redemption. It is a chance to prove himself among the elite, to right the perceived wrongs of their first meeting, and to etch his name into boxing history with a victory over one of the sport’s modern greats.
Promoters are already billing the event as one of the biggest nights in British boxing history, with Wembley Stadium — a venue synonymous with iconic sporting moments — providing the perfect backdrop. Ticket sales are expected to be brisk, with boxing fans eager to witness the rematch between two of the division’s most powerful and dynamic fighters.
In addition to the legacy implications, the bout carries enormous commercial significance. A victory for Usyk would further cement his reputation as one of the greatest heavyweights of the 21st century, while a win for Dubois would catapult him to superstar status and likely open the door to future mega-fights against the likes of Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder.
Boxing experts predict an explosive encounter. Dubois, known for his devastating punching power and aggressive style, will likely seek to press Usyk from the opening bell, trying to impose his size and strength. Meanwhile, Usyk will look to utilize his exceptional footwork, ring intelligence, and southpaw angles to outmaneuver Dubois and frustrate him as he did in their previous bout.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former world champion Carl Froch weighed in on the upcoming fight:
“Dubois has improved massively since their first meeting. If he can apply smarter pressure and avoid getting countered, he’s got a real chance. But Usyk is a master tactician — beating him is no small task.”
As preparations ramp up, both camps are expected to commence intensive training camps in the coming weeks. Early betting odds slightly favor Usyk, but many insiders believe Dubois’ growth and confidence since winning the IBF title make him a far more dangerous opponent this time around.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: on July 19, fans around the world will be treated to a heavyweight battle with everything on the line — pride, redemption, and the glory of undisputed supremacy.
