If you had to pick between Sirenko vs. Novytskyi and Sirenko vs. Dacres in terms of style, the former was likely a more favorable matchup for Vladyslav Sirenko. Even the Ukrainian admitted he didn’t spend long considering the Novytskyi offer, saying he viewed him as a comfortable stylistic opponent.

Solomon Dacres, on the other hand, is anything but comfortable. He’s awkward and unconventional. Taller, longer, and more of a “tricky” fighter – feints, disruptions, counters. He’s not averse to clinching, though it’s not his strongest asset. His main strength lies in disrupting the opponent’s rhythm, switching angles, and throwing them off their tactical plan.

Unlike the more textbook European-style boxer Novytskyi (who withdrew due to a knee injury), Dacres will force Sirenko to use every bit of his footwork and ability to cut off the ring. Otherwise, he risks being picked off and unable to return fire effectively.

They’re virtually the same age – Sirenko is 30, Dacres is 31 – but the resumes are very different. Sirenko has faced solid, rugged opposition: Dovbyshchenko, one of only two fighters to go the distance with Moses Itauma, and Andriy Rudenko, whom only Sirenko and Jared Anderson managed to stop – with Vlad arguably doing it more convincingly than the American.

Dacres’ best win came over David Adeleye. He also handed Michael Webster his first loss, and outpointed seasoned journeymen like Kamil Sokolowski and Ariel Bracamonte. (Sokolowski was also defeated by Sirenko.)

But the Adeleye fight went terribly wrong. Dacres was dropped into the ropes in round one and clearly unable to continue. That remains his most recent bout.

Dacres throws a lot – on average, about 50 punches more per fight than his opponents. His whole style revolves around volume, movement, changing angles, and dragging opponents into uncomfortable, irregular tempos. This saps energy, reduces accuracy, and turns opponents into slower, more stationary targets past the halfway mark.

Sirenko, by contrast, is all about steady pressure and compact combinations. He doesn’t throw a high volume, but every punch has purpose – especially to the body, where he’s relentless on the inside. He’ll need to break through Dacres’ awkward rhythm to get inside and work his game.

It’s hard to give either fighter a definitive edge here.

Sirenko fought three times in 2024, but the competition was subpar – by design. He said it himself: those opponents were chosen to help him regain form after a long injury layoff from 2021 to 2024.

Dacres had a successful rematch with Webster early in the year, this time winning by stoppage. But then came the first-round KO loss to Adeleye – a damaging defeat. Whether he’s fully recovered mentally and physically is uncertain, especially against a dangerous puncher like Sirenko.

Clear edge to Sirenko. Not just statistically – 86% KO rate compared to Dacres’ 33% – but stylistically. Solomon isn’t built for power punching. If he lands clean, fine. But his mobile, feint-heavy style doesn’t lend itself to heavy blows.

Sirenko is a punisher. He lands far more power shots – 17% accuracy vs. Dacres’ 12%. And though Dacres has gone longer in fights recently, Sirenko’s early finishes reflect his punching efficiency, not a lack of stamina.

Sirenko also distributes his attack more effectively – 55% to the head, 31% to the body. Dacres is far more head-heavy – 94% to the head, just 22% to the body.

Make no mistake: Sirenko is the more dangerous puncher.

Sirenko has never shown serious vulnerability. A few minor moments in earlier fights, perhaps, but nothing alarming.

Dacres, though, has. He was stopped once and showed some wobbly spells in the first Webster fight. At one point, he turned his back to avoid punches – not a great look. Still, he weathered those storms and won thanks to his awkwardness and resilience.

Sirenko, however, will aim to pin him down and sap his legs with body work. Once Dacres slows, Sirenko can test his chin properly.

Sirenko has never fought at Wembley – or in the UK at all – but he’s no stranger to the road. His career began in South Africa and has taken him to the U.S., Austria, Germany, France, and Ukraine.

Dacres returns to Wembley for the second time. The last time didn’t end well – Adeleye knocked him out in the first round. Still, home turf may help calm his nerves.

This marks Sirenko’s debut under Queensberry Promotions, and he’ll want to make a strong first impression. The company is also staging the night’s headliner – the Usyk vs. Dubois rematch.

It’s a double opportunity: a fresh start with a new promoter and a chance to showcase his skills to Ukrainian fans, with the bout being aired back home. And more broadly, it’s a chance to plant his flag in the UK – the epicenter of modern heavyweight boxing.

Dacres is coming off a devastating loss. The clip of his knockdown made the rounds online, so there’s pressure to rebound. He has home advantage, a decent skill set, and a slick style. But he also has gaps – and questions that need answers.

Will movement be enough to contain Sirenko? If his power can’t hold the Ukrainian back, Vlad will get to mid-range – and then to the body. And that’s where things could unravel quickly.