Oleksandr Usyk could very nicely be the perfect heavyweight boxer of the trendy period.
The Ukrainian pugilist captured a gold medal on the 2012 Summer season Olympics, then turned professional and have become the undisputed cruiserweight champion. “The Cat” finally moved as much as heavyweight and as soon as once more unified the titles, defeating Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois, and Tyson Fury alongside the way in which.
That streak contains his choice victory over “The Gypsy King” final evening in Riyadh, a rematch from their first go-round again in Could — which Usyk additionally gained by choice. Shortly after the bout, Usyk tried to discipline questions on his championship efficiency, however Dubois stormed the cage to demand a do-over.
“I need my revenge! I need my revenge, Usyk!” Dubois shouted because the interviewer begged “Dynamite” to face down. “Nicely carried out tonight. God bless, however I need my revenge. Let’s get it! Let’s go!”
Usyk defeated Dubois by the use of ninth-round knockout after they first went to struggle again in summer time 2023, however the efficiency was marred by low-blow controversy stemming from a fifth-round knockdown. Dubois insisted he was “cheated” of his victory however by no means obtained the possibility to show it as a result of Usyk moved on to face (and defeat) Fury.
“Mr. Excellency! Your Excellency!” Usyk shouted towards Saudi leisure adviser Turki Alalshikh. “Make me struggle with Daniel Dubois. Thanks a lot. I’m prepared. Subsequent struggle, no downside. Now I’m going again house for a bit of little bit of relaxation, however I’m prepared.”
Joseph Parker could have one thing to say about that.
Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) will defend the IBF title — which Usyk was compelled to give up previous to his Fury rematch — in opposition to Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) on Feb. 22 in Riyadh. Parker earned his likelihood to detonate “Dynamite” by scoring back-to-back wins over heavyweight titans Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
Defeating Fury for the second time pushed Usyk’s undefeated report to 23-0 with 14 KOs.
