By Shaun Murphy-
British heavyweight, Daniel Dubois was at his lightest for six years, but still weighed almost a stone heavier than champion Oleksandr Usyk for Saturday’s unified heavyweight world title bout in Wroclaw, Poland.
Dubois hit the scales at 16st 9lb, with Ukrainian Usyk weighing 15st 10lb.
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The pair fight at the Tarczynski Arena on Saturday night.
The spotlight is not solely on weight statistics but on the caliber of the fighters stepping into the ring. Usyk, a seasoned 33-year-old veteran, has amassed an impressive record of 20 professional victories without a single loss.
His prowess extends beyond his unblemished record, as he secured a monumental feat by becoming a two-weight world champion. The zenith of his career was reached by dethroning Anthony Joshua in London in September 2021, a victory that showcased his finesse and resilience. He repeated the conquest in Saudi Arabia 11 months later.
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A pro Usyk crowd – including a number of Ukrainians refugees residing in Poland following Russia’s invasion – gathered in the sweltering heat at Plac Wolnosci, a public square in the centre of Wroclaw.
As the countdown to the Saturday night showdown commenced, both fighters carried an aura of determination and confidence. Following the weigh-in, Dubois expressed his resolve with a poignant reflection.
As the fighters prepare for battle, the atmosphere in Wroclaw is electric. A pro-Usyk crowd, including Ukrainian refugees who found solace in Poland following Russia’s invasion, gathered with fervor in the sweltering heat at Plac Wolnosci, a public square at the heart of Wroclaw. Though the turnout wasn’t overwhelming in numbers, the passion of the attendees was undeniable. Chants of the champion’s name reverberated through the air, a resounding tribute to Usyk’s stature.
The scene on the scales encapsulated the essence of the fight—a fusion of competition and respect. Usyk proudly exhibited his WBA ‘Super,’ WBO, and IBF titles, an eloquent visual representation of his journey to this point.
Reflecting on the setting, Usyk said: “I like it here. I like this city. It’s a good place. Heavyweight is the dream of all boxing. It’s the king weight.” His words encapsulated the magnitude of the event and the significance of the heavyweight division.
The forthcoming clash between Dubois and Usyk transcends mere numbers on the scale. It is a test of skill, heart, and willpower—a true embodiment of the essence of boxing. Both fighters are serious about victory, with the underdog seeing this as the biggest opportunity of his career.
Most boxing experts have written off Dubois, giving him no more than a puncher’s chance against the unbeaten Usyk, whose meteoric rise to undisputed heavyweight champion has impressed all and sundry,
Dubois who nobody denies is a big puncher knows he can pull off an upset if he puts it all on the line and makes his extra weight and power count on Saturday.
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