The world of heavyweight boxing is never short of drama, but few storylines have captured fan interest quite like the unfolding tension between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. Following their controversial first bout, which saw Usyk claim a stoppage victory under circumstances that left many questioning the officiating, the buzz around a potential rematch has been electrifying. But as momentum builds for Usyk vs. Dubois 2, the unified heavyweight champion’s recent decision to prioritize his own goals rather than satisfy public demand has sparked outrage among fans and insiders alike.
Usyk, known for his technical brilliance and disciplined mindset, recently made headlines for expressing reluctance toward an immediate rematch with Dubois. Instead, he’s signaling that his future lies in a direction that benefits his career, legacy, and financial interests—potentially at the cost of giving fans the closure they crave. This decision, while not surprising for a fighter of his caliber, has led to renewed criticism and a deeper conversation about fighter responsibility, public expectation, and the politics of boxing.
In this article, we’ll explore why the Usyk-Dubois rematch is such a hot-button issue, what’s motivating Usyk’s controversial decision, and how it could impact not just Daniel Dubois, but the entire landscape of the heavyweight division.
Controversial ending fuels demand for a Usyk vs. Dubois rematch
The fire behind the Usyk-Dubois rivalry started burning on August 26, 2023, in Wroclaw, Poland. The bout, billed as a mandatory title defense for Usyk, quickly turned into one of the most debated fights in recent memory. In the fifth round, Dubois delivered a body shot that sent Usyk to the canvas—seemingly a legal punch. But referee Luis Pabon ruled it a low blow, giving Usyk several minutes to recover.
From that moment on, the tone of the fight changed. Usyk regained control, weathered the storm, and stopped Dubois in the ninth. However, the controversy surrounding the body shot has never faded, with many fans and experts insisting that the punch was legal and could have changed the outcome of the fight.
This lingering uncertainty has made a rematch feel not just appropriate, but necessary. For Dubois, it’s about redemption and proving that his power and performance were genuine. For Usyk, it’s a chance to silence doubters and erase any shadows on his win. And for fans, it’s about fairness and closure.
But Usyk isn’t playing along.
Usyk’s decision: Prioritizing undisputed legacy over public pressure
Instead of agreeing to an immediate rematch, Usyk has been clear about his priorities: fighting for undisputed status and managing his career on his own terms. After defeating Anthony Joshua twice and retaining his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, Usyk has made no secret of his ambition to face Tyson Fury—the WBC champion—for all the belts.
This focus on a legacy-defining clash with Fury has left little room in Usyk’s schedule for a Dubois rematch. And with mandatory defenses, promotional negotiations, and purse splits involved, Usyk appears unwilling to risk delays or distractions by revisiting what he views as a settled fight.
In a recent interview, Usyk addressed the situation bluntly: “I do not fight for controversy. I fight for greatness.” He acknowledged that while fans may want a rematch, he believes his victory was legitimate and that Dubois had his chance. “I respect all fighters, but my path is mine. I must choose what is best for my legacy.”
While some admire his focus and discipline, others feel that Usyk is dodging accountability. For fans who believe Dubois was robbed of a fair outcome, Usyk’s decision to “focus on his own interests” reads as self-serving. It challenges the long-standing ideal that champions must settle scores and defend their status, not just chase glory.
Daniel Dubois: The comeback story that demands another chance
For Daniel Dubois, the loss to Usyk was supposed to be either a career breakthrough or a stepping stone. Instead, it became a moral victory overshadowed by officiating. Despite the defeat, Dubois left the ring with a surge of public support. Many saw him as the man who legitimately knocked down the champion, only to be denied by a controversial ruling.
Since then, Dubois has made it clear that he wants the rematch more than anything. He’s been vocal in interviews, respectful in tone but persistent in message: he believes he beat Usyk that night, and he wants a chance to prove it beyond all doubt.
“I know what I felt in that ring. I know what I saw,” Dubois said. “That body shot was clean, and he couldn’t take it. If we run it back, I’ll finish what I started.”
From a promotional standpoint, Dubois represents a compelling narrative. He’s young, powerful, and hungry. His comeback journey—from the loss to Joe Joyce, through rebuilding wins, to his disputed fight with Usyk—has been nothing short of dramatic. A rematch would not only give him a chance at redemption, but also offer fans the high-stakes drama that boxing thrives on.
And with Dubois showing marked improvements in defense, ring generalship, and mental resilience in recent fights, many believe he could pose an even greater threat in a rematch.
Fan backlash: Is Usyk losing public favor despite his brilliance?
Usyk is undeniably one of the most gifted boxers of his generation. From becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion to climbing the heavyweight mountain, his resume is elite. But public sentiment can be fragile, especially in an era where transparency and perceived fairness matter as much as skill.
The backlash against Usyk’s recent remarks reveals a disconnect between his strategic decisions and fan expectations. Boxing purists respect his focus on greatness, but casual fans and many observers feel alienated by his unwillingness to grant Dubois a second chance.
On social media, hashtags like #RematchNow and #DuboisDeservesIt have trended in boxing circles. Fans have voiced their frustration, arguing that if Usyk truly wants to silence the doubters, he should step back into the ring with Dubois and prove the first win was no fluke.
This kind of backlash isn’t new in boxing, where champions often face criticism for being too calculated with matchmaking. But with Usyk, it’s striking a particularly emotional chord. People want their champions to be warriors and guardians of fairness—not businessmen.
Whether Usyk sees it or not, his brand could be taking a hit. And as the sport evolves with a more engaged, vocal audience, public pressure may eventually force his hand.
The future of the heavyweight division hangs in the balance
At the heart of this debate lies a bigger question: What does the future of the heavyweight division look like? With names like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce, and Filip Hrgović all vying for top-tier fights, every decision matters.
If Usyk avoids Dubois and moves directly into an undisputed clash, the sport will get a historic moment—but possibly at the cost of closing an important chapter. If Dubois is forced to wait or fight lesser opponents, it could stall his momentum and derail what could be a generational rivalry.
Promoters like Frank Warren have already hinted that they will pursue legal options or lobbying through sanctioning bodies to mandate a rematch. That tension only adds to the high-stakes drama.
Meanwhile, fans are left wondering: Will Usyk remain the noble technician they fell in love with—or will he become just another elite fighter prioritizing power over principle?
One thing is certain: the Usyk vs. Dubois storyline is far from over. Whether it’s settled in the ring or in the court of public opinion, this rivalry has already etched its place in boxing’s recent history.
Final Thoughts
Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to focus on his legacy and steer away from a Dubois rematch is understandable from a business standpoint—but emotionally, it’s a letdown for fans craving resolution. While the Ukrainian champion continues to chase greatness, the backlash from fans and the unresolved controversy with Dubois threaten to tarnish his reputation.
Daniel Dubois, meanwhile, waits in the wings with renewed hunger, hoping for another shot—not just at redemption, but at proving he belongs among the heavyweight elite.
In boxing, legacy is everything—but so is integrity. And for many, the story of Usyk vs. Dubois isn’t about belts, rankings, or even money. It’s about justice in the ring. And that story, until a rematch happens, remains unfinished.
