London: Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois are set to battle for the undisputed heavyweight title at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on July 19, according to an announcement from Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions on Sunday.
Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian star, currently holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO belts and is aiming to become an undisputed heavyweight champion across all four major titles for the second time in his illustrious career. His opponent, Britain’s Daniel Dubois, enters the bout as the reigning IBF titleholder.
The two fighters share a heated history. Usyk previously defeated Dubois with a controversial ninth-round knockout in Wroclaw, Poland, in August 2023. The bout sparked debate after the referee ruled a low blow that allowed Usyk additional recovery time before he secured the victory. That fight was contested for the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts.
Usyk later cemented his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion in May 2024, following a commanding win over Britain’s Tyson Fury. However, the 38-year-old vacated the IBF belt ahead of a scheduled December rematch with Fury. Dubois, who was then promoted to IBF champion, successfully defended the title against fellow Briton Anthony Joshua in September.
“I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship,” Usyk, who holds a perfect 23-0 professional record, said in a statement. “Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt — now I want it back.”
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Dubois, 27, expressed confidence about avenging his previous loss to Usyk.
“I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee, so I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city,” Dubois said.
“I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself on July 19.”
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The upcoming fight will be broadcast live globally on DAZN and is part of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season sponsorship program. It marks a historic moment, as it will be the first-ever undisputed heavyweight title bout held on British soil.
Lennox Lewis was the last British fighter to hold the title of undisputed world heavyweight champion, achieving the feat in 1999.
