Boxing promoter Frank Warren has his eyes set on a huge rematch after controversy shrouded the two boxer’s first meeting.
With a busy night of boxing in store on February 22nd, Warren is looking forward to the huge night in Saudi Arabia.
On what has been described as one of the biggest fight cards in boxing history, some of the sport’s greatest names will take center stage.
From top to bottom, elite fighters will compete in Riyadh at ‘The Last Crescendo’. To top the event, Artur Beterbiev will take on Dmitry Bivol in their highly anticipated rematch. As well as this, Daniel Dubois will take on Joseph Parker, and Shakur Stevenson will take on Floyd Schofield Jr.
However, there is one bout in particular that Warren is keeping an eye on in terms of an interesting rematch.
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Rematch could be next for champion if he is successful on February 22nd says Frank Warren
Speaking on the Ariel X Ade, Warren was asked about what his plans were for Dubois.
The promoter began by saying that the Parker fight was going to be a tough one for the current IBF heavyweight champion. “It’s a tough fight, I believe he [Dubois] will win, but it’s a very, very tough fight.”
However, should he prevail, Warren has expressed interest in making a rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Dubois.
“That for me has got to be the most natural rematch anywhere in boxing. It was controversial, the last fight… [It’s] going to be a mega fight.”
Usyk is currently not scheduled to fight following his second consecutive victory over Tyson Fury in December 2024. It is also unclear as to when the Ukranian is aiming to return to the ring.
However, Dubois is not short of options in terms of title challengers. Eddie Hearn has explained the focus of Anthony Joshua and has been vocal about a rematch with Dubois.
Derek Chisora was victorious in an IBF heavyweight title eliminator against Otto Wallin on February 8th. As well as this, Dubois was included in Chisora’s unorthodox call-out after the fight.
However, Dubois has also stated his interest in facing Usyk again, meaning he may favor a heavyweight unification bout.
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Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois had a controversial moment
As mentioned by Warren, the first meeting between Usyk and Dubois was not without controversy. The incident in the fight has led to many calling for a rematch, especially now that the two are champions.
The two heavyweights met in Poland in 2023, where Usyk was the victor thanks to a ninth-round knockout. However, the controversy was not to do with the stoppage.
In round five, Dubois caught Usyk with a punch that sent Usyk to the canvas. However, the shot was labeled a low blow by the referee, meaning the Ukranian was given almost four minutes to recover.
Usyk would recover well, allowing him to deliver knockout blows to Dubois four rounds later.
Despite an appeal of the result after the fight, Usyk stayed as the official winner, however, the controversy is still discussed.