Undefeated Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has solidified his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time after defeating Tyson Fury for the second consecutive time. This latest victory took place on December 21, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Usyk scored a unanimous decision win. With this triumph, Usyk not only retained his WBA, WBC, and WBO titles but also raised expectations of what’s next for the champion.
The rematch with Fury was highly anticipated, especially following their first encounter earlier in the year, which ended with Usyk coming out on top. This time, he prevailed convincingly, showcasing his technical skill and tactical preparation over twelve rounds. All three judges scored the fight 116-112, indicating the clear dominance Usyk maintained throughout the bout.
Following his win, there was no shortage of challengers eager to face Usyk next. The most vocal was IBF champion Daniel Dubois, who stormed the ring demanding another chance at Usyk, exclaiming, "I want my revenge. I want my revenge, Usyk. Well done on tonight, well done, God bless. I want my revenge for the robbery last time." This refers to their previous encounter—a fight where Dubois maintains he was robbed by the officials after receiving what he claimed was a legal body shot, which Usyk and the referee deemed low.
Usyk responded to Dubois’s challenge with enthusiasm, addressing Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, saying, "Your Excellency, make me fight with Dubois. Thank you so much." He followed up with, "I can do more. I’m ready to fight [Dubois], no problem. Next fight no problem." This eagerness demonstrates Usyk's commitment to defending his titles and addressing the controversy surrounding their previous encounter.
While Dubois aims to reclaim his standing by defeating Usyk, he must first focus on his upcoming fight against Joseph Parker scheduled for February 22, 2025, also set to take place in Riyadh. Parker, who has made headlines recently with impressive wins, is set to challenge Dubois, potentially complicate Dubois’s chances to face Usyk later. Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn weighed in on the situation, expressing concern over Dubois’s capacity to defeat Parker, cautioning, "I don’t think Daniel Dubois will necessarily beat Joseph Parker." Hearn believes Parker is on form, noting, "He’s extremely confident. But Dubois has a lot of confidence himself."
This pending matchup between Dubois and Parker is remarkable for the heavyweight division's future, especially since the winner would be seen as the most viable contender for Usyk's titles. For Usyk, retaining his title means the opportunity to become undisputed champion once again, having achieved such status previously at cruiserweight.
Despite his success, Usyk is mindful of his age (turning 38 soon) and future prospects. After celebrating his latest victory, Usyk expressed the desire to take some time off, saying, "I’m going to rest. Not think about boxing, Dubois, Tyson Fury. Just rest. Just play with my children." It highlights the need for rest after his taxing fight with Fury, reflecting not just on physical recovery but also hinting at the personal elements of his life he values.
Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, reiterated the importance of Dubois defeating Parker first and urged caution about the discussions surrounding Usyk vs. Dubois, adding, "It's too early to mention Daniel's name in regards to Usyk. Dubois has to fight Joseph Parker and this is a very tough fight for him." This indicates the layered structure of competition present within the heavyweight boxing world.
Usyk’s ability to secure victories against both Fury and Dubois positions him to solidify his legacy even more. He has already triumphed against some of the biggest names, and now, he looks to consolidate his legacy by facing the next significant contender. Discussions arise as to whether Usyk might return to cruiserweight or even if he considers retirement after achieving greatness across multiple weight divisions. The boxing community often speculates about what’s next for him, but as of now, no plans are final.
Fans and analysts will undoubtedly continue to keep their eyes on Usyk, following his remarkable performances and the potential for another showdown with Dubois or another elite opponent. The heavyweight division remains vibrant, with Usyk at its center, leading the charge for what could be one of the most thrilling entries to come.
