Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 Preview: Boxing Odds, Prediction
BH heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois takes on WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in a highly anticipated rematch at Wembley Stadium in London. Usyk claimed a ninth-round KO victory over Dubois when they first met in Warsaw almost two years ago, and followed up with a pair of narrow victories over Tyson Fury that added the WBC heavyweight strap tp his trophy case while improving his unblemished pro boxing record to 23-0. Dubois has rebounded with three straight wins since his August 2023 loss to Usyk, capped by a fifth-round KO of Anthony Joshua last September that earned him the undisputed IBF heavyweight crown.
Usyk leads the way as a lofty -300 favourite on Saturday’s boxing odds and Dubois trails as a +250 underdog, while the odds of this contest going a full 12 rounds are pegged at +120.
Oleksandr Usyk Odds
Considered the top boxer on the pound-for-pound rankings at The Ring, ESPN, and Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, Oleksandr Usyk possesses a complete tool kit that features impressive movement, elite stamina, and one of the sport’s highest fight IQs. However, many observers give credit to the referee for the 38-year-old Ukrainian’s victory in his first date with Dubois. After Usyk was struck by a low blow in the fifth round, he was encouraged by referee Luis Pabon to take a full five minutes to recover, which energized the champion on his way to a ninth-round victory. But even with the controversy, it is tough to ignore Usyk’s impressive performance in that fight, in which he outstruck Dubois by an almost 2/1 margin. The first heavyweight to lay claim to all four major belts, Usyk has regularly gone the distance during his impressive career, with five of his past six wins coming by decision. But the question remains, has the champ been slowed down by age and the beatings he took in his two recent wins over Tyson Fury.
Daniel Dubois Odds
Daniel Dubois will enjoy the support of a hometown crowd, when he steps into the squared circle at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening. He will also aiming to successfully defend an undisputed world championship belt for the first time since his last appearance in London in 2022, when he needed just three rounds to dispose of Kevin Lerena to retain the WBA heavyweight strap. The 27-year-old Englishman returns to action with plenty to prove after claiming he was robbed of victory in his first clash with Usyk. While that defeat was a big blow, Dubois has made gains in both his technical skills and conditioning in three fights since, including his dominating victory over Anthony Joshua last time out. Indeed, “Dynamite” is promising “a bloodbath” in Saturday’s rematch. However, much will depend on his ability to go deep against the more experienced Usyk after seeing just one of his first 22 pro fights go a full 12 rounds.
Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 Prediction:
Saturday night’s rematch isn’t just another title fight. It is a battle of technique versus power, youth versus crafty, with six world heavyweight titles on the line. Usyk enjoys a huge edge in experience, particularly in marathon fights, and if he can manage distance and tempo, his boxing IQ should make him a good bet to earn a stoppage. However, Usyk must remain wary of Dubois’ ability to bring consistent pressure and fearsome punching power, which have made him an attractive +350 bet to win by KO/TKO or DQ.
Prediction: Usyk by KO/TKO or DQ (+125)
