In a surprising twist that has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, Oleksandr Usyk has shifted his focus back to the heavyweight boxing scene, setting his sights on Daniel Dubois instead of exploring a high-profile crossover fight against Alex Pereira. The revelation comes amid growing speculation about Usyk’s next move following his upcoming undisputed heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury.

With Pereira, the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, teasing a potential superfight with Usyk, fans had expected the Ukrainian maestro to step into the world of mixed martial arts or at least entertain a hybrid-rules bout. However, Usyk’s latest statement has put those plans on hold in favor of a potential rematch with Dubois.

Why has Usyk decided to double down on boxing instead of embracing a crossover spectacle? What does this mean for the heavyweight division and the landscape of combat sports? Let’s break it down.

Why Dubois? A Rivalry Reignited

The Controversy of Their First Fight

Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois first met in August 2023, in what turned out to be a highly controversial showdown.

Key moments from their first fight:
Dubois landed a body shot in Round 5 that appeared to floor Usyk, but it was ruled a low blow by the referee.
Usyk recovered and eventually stopped Dubois in the ninth round to retain his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles.
 Many in Dubois’ camp, including his promoter Frank Warren, insisted that the referee’s call was unjust and that Dubois had actually scored a legal knockdown.

Since then, Dubois has been vocal about wanting a rematch, claiming that he was robbed of his opportunity to become a world champion.

Usyk’s Perspective: A Statement to Make

By targeting Dubois again, Usyk is making it clear that he wants to:

Erase any doubt about their first fight.
Silence the critics who claimed that Dubois was unfairly denied victory.
Prove his dominance in the heavyweight division before moving on to other challenges.

Usyk has built his career on clean, technical victories, and a second fight with Dubois allows him to eliminate any remaining controversy surrounding their first encounter.

The Pereira Fight: Why It’s on Hold

For months, Alex Pereira vs. Oleksandr Usyk had been teased as a potential superfight that could bridge the gap between boxing and MMA. Pereira, known for his devastating knockout power, has expressed interest in testing himself against elite boxers, with Usyk being at the top of his list.

Why the Fight Was Appealing

Pereira’s Kickboxing Background: Unlike many MMA fighters, Pereira has an extensive striking background, making him a legitimate threat in a boxing ring.

Massive Financial Potential: A showdown between Usyk and Pereira would have generated huge pay-per-view numbers, appealing to both boxing and UFC audiences.

Crossover Appeal: With Francis Ngannou’s recent success against Tyson Fury, more MMA fighters are considering boxing matches as a way to prove their skills.

Why Usyk Chose Dubois Over Pereira

Despite the hype, Usyk appears to be prioritizing legacy over spectacle. His decision to stay within boxing suggests that:

He’s focused on cementing his status as an all-time great heavyweight rather than chasing big-money crossover fights.
He sees Dubois as unfinished business and wants to settle the score definitively.
He may still entertain a Pereira fight in the future, but only after solidifying his dominance in boxing.

While fans may be disappointed that the Usyk-Pereira superfight won’t happen right away, Usyk’s commitment to the purity of boxing shows why he remains one of the sport’s most respected champions.

How Dubois Has Improved Since Their First Encounter

Since his loss to Usyk, Daniel Dubois has been working tirelessly to refine his craft. Under the guidance of new trainers and advisors, Dubois has focused on:

Improving his footwork to better cut off the ring.
Sharpening his counterpunching to exploit Usyk’s movement.
Building endurance to ensure he can compete at a high pace for all 12 rounds.

With these adjustments, Dubois believes he has the tools necessary to finally dethrone Usyk. But will it be enough?

How This Affects the Heavyweight Division

The Usykvs. Dubois rematch has major implications for the heavyweight landscape.

1. What Happens to Tyson Fury?

Usyk is currently scheduled to face Tyson Fury in a historic, undisputed heavyweight title fight. If Usyk wins, his decision to target Dubois next means that:

A rematch with Fury may not happen immediately.
A mega-fight against Anthony Joshua could be delayed further.
The heavyweight division may have to wait longer for another major unification bout.

2. Where Does This Leave Other Contenders?

Usyk’s choice to fight Dubois instead of pursuing new matches means that other top heavyweights—like Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Joe Joyce—might have to wait longer for their shot at the heavyweight throne.

Will Dubois Finally Overcome His Ghosts?

For Dubois, this rematch represents more than just another title fight—it’s his chance for redemption.

In their first fight, Dubois:

Struggled with Usyk’s movement and defensive skills.
Showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency.
Was mentally shaken by the referee’s low-blow ruling.

This time, he will need to:

✔ Start fast and apply pressure early.
✔ Work Usyk’s body legally to slow him down.
✔ Stay composed and avoid frustration if things don’t go his way.

A victory over Usyk would skyrocket Dubois into boxing superstardom, proving that he is not just a promising contender but a true elite heavyweight.

Final Thoughts: A Tactical Move for Usyk, a Golden Opportunity for Dubois

Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to prioritize a Dubois rematch over a blockbuster showdown with Alex Pereira is a testament to his commitment to boxing’s traditional path. While crossover fights generate excitement, Usyk’s legacy is built on pure boxing excellence, and his determination to erase any controversy from his record is admirable.

For Dubois, this is the chance of a lifetime. If he can pull off the upset, he will instantly become one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing. But if Usyk dominates once again, it will further solidify his place among the greatest fighters of his era.

Who do you think wins this rematch? Will Dubois shock the world, or will Usyk prove once and for all that he is levels above? Let us know in the comments