Preview: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2 prediction, preview, undercard

Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois meet for the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles at Wembley Stadium in yet another undisputed showdown in the sport of boxing.

Usyk is bidding to reclaim the IBF belt that he was forced to vacate after his initial undisputed victory over Tyson Fury last year, Dubois having earned that title by stopping Anthony Joshua in September.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at the main event as well as the two main bouts on what is an underwhelming undercard.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois

Given the manner of Usyk's victory over Dubois in their first bout in August 2023, there was little clamour for a rematch, regardless of the controversy that followed Dubois being deemed to have floored Usyk with a marginal low blow.

There remains debate over whether that body shot was legal or not, Usyk taking the decision to make full use of the five-minute recovery period, and it adds narrative to this contest.

However, Dubois is a different fighter to the one that tamely surrendered to Usyk in Wroclaw nearly two years ago, that defeat acting as the catalyst to a run of three victories that has legitimised him as one of the best heavyweights in the world.

Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Joshua have all been stopped, the brutality of Dubois' shots overwhelming the trio at different stages of their respective fights.

In victory or defeat, Dubois has still never gone past 10 rounds - not ideal ahead of facing a master boxer such as Usyk - but it emphasises the unpredictability that is associated with the Briton.

From Usyk's perspective, he will be relishing a change of scenery after such focus was placed on his two showdowns with Tyson Fury, the Ukrainian a deserved victor in two absorbing contests.

Usyk undeniably lost rounds and looked in trouble in both bouts, yet how he managed to regain control - either through accuracy or his under-rated power - was an impressive feat when dealing with an opponent half a foot bigger than him.

While Usyk will be confident about extending his unbeaten streak in the professional ranks to 24 fights, he will be wary about Dubois' power, knowing that the home favourite is highly likely to go on the attack from the first bell.

Undercard

Lawrence Okolie's heavyweight showdown with Kevin Lerena is the chief support on an undercard that will not generate a lot of attention.

Okolie - a former cruiserweight and bridgerweight world champion - will be competing in this division for just the second time, but this feels like an ideal match-up.

Lerena may have floored Dubois three times in one round back in December 2022 before losing in three rounds, as well as troubled highly-rated Justis Huni last year, but Okolie's size and power should prove key here.

Meanwhile, British light-heavyweight Lewis Edmondson is attempting to upset the odds against 6ft 6in southpaw Daniel Lapin, the Commonwealth champion getting his reward for his victory over Daniel Azeez last year.

Predictions

There is a sense of intrigue surrounding the main event, largely due to Dubois being deemed as the most credible threat to Usyk with his new-found confidence.

Dubois' only realistic chance of winning this fight is by stoppage and Usyk hitting the canvas from a legal shot would genuinely shock all observers.

However, even if Usyk does face adversity on Saturday, he is experienced and shrewd enough to negotiate any difficultly to prevail, the Ukrainian having the ability to nullify whatever is coming back at him.

Usyk on points will be a popular bet, whether he is knocked down or not, and that is our prediction, along with one-sided victories for Okolie and Lapin.

Okolie will want to make a statement and winning inside six rounds would do that, while Lapin could prove too tricky for Edmondson and cruise to a points win.

Written by
Darren Plant

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