Oleksandr Usyk could be argued as being boxing’s pound-for-pound number one fighter in 2025 following a brace of wins over Tyson Fury.
Usyk will return to the ring on July 19th when he takes on former foe Daniel Dubois. The heavyweights will compete for the undisputed title in the division at Wembley Stadium.
Dubois will be looking to get revenge on Usyk after their first fight contained controversy. ‘Dynamite’ has scored three knockout victories since facing the Ukrainian.
Win or lose in July, much speculation has surrounded Usyk regarding his future and how many fights he may have left. Although it is unclear who he may fight next, the heavyweight champion has named a venue he wishes to compete in before hanging up his gloves.
Oleksandr Usyk wants to fight in Ukraine before retirement
Since 2020, Usyk has only competed in either the United Kingdom or Saudi Arabia, with all of the included bouts coming against British opposition.
Prior to a meeting with one of Usyk’s toughest opponents Derek Chisora in 2020, the Ukrainian competed in the likes of the United States, Latvia, and Germany.
Speaking to the Ring Magazine in a recent interview, Usyk was asked if there was any dream venue he wanted to compete in before retiring. With a clear answer, Usyk replied, “Olympic Stadium, Kyiv.”
The venue has not yet hosted a large-scale professional boxing match, despite discussions regarding both Usyk and Wladimir Klitschko fighting there in the past.
Usyk has competed in his home country as a professional eight times, with his last outing in Ukraine coming in 2015.
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Oleksandr Usyk dismisses Daniel Dubois’s low blow claims
In their first meeting, one of the biggest talking points of the fight between Usyk and Dubois was a shot from the British fighter that put the Ukrainian fighter down. The punch was ruled a low blow by the referee, as Usyk was given several minutes to recover.
Dubois feels that the shot was not an illegal one and that he scored a legitimate knockdown on his opponent in their 2023 meeting.
Much has been made of the punch in the lead-up to their sequel bout. However, Usyk told the Ring Magazine that Dubois’s claims are ‘rubbish’.
“It was a dirty punch,” Usyk said. “For me, it’s in the past.”