Oleksandr Usyk will step into the ring at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night at the heaviest weight of his career as he seeks to become an undisputed heavyweight world champion for the third time, facing off against Britain’s Daniel Dubois.
At Friday’s official weigh-in, the undefeated Ukrainian tipped the scales at 16st 3lbs (102.97 kg), one pound heavier than his weight during his December 2024 victory over Tyson Fury. Usyk, 38, currently holds the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts, while Dubois brings the IBF title into the much-anticipated bout.
Dubois, 27, appeared leaner and more focused than in previous outings, weighing in at 17st 6lbs (110.67 kg), nearly two kilos lighter than during his win over Anthony Joshua last year. He is seeking redemption after suffering a ninth-round stoppage defeat to Usyk in their 2023 encounter in Poland, when he weighed 16st 9lbs.
The weigh-in featured a tense final face-off to the soundtrack of Rocky Balboa, with Dubois vowing to snatch victory in front of a largely pro-Usyk crowd.
“I’m locked in, I’m focused and I can’t wait,” said Dubois. “I am going to win by any means necessary.”
Usyk, who remains unbeaten in 23 professional fights, played down concerns about his age.
“Listen, I respect this guy, this young guy. He is motivated, but I am too,” said Usyk. “I am not an old guy. 38 is not old, you know? We will see on Saturday.”
Usyk aims to follow in the footsteps of Lennox Lewis, the last Briton to hold undisputed heavyweight status in 1999, and solidify his place among boxing’s all-time greats with another dominant performance on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Written By Rodney Mbua
