It’s too early to write off Usyk. He’s still in top shape

On July 19 at Wembley Stadium in London, the rematch between the two-time undisputed world champion and current WBA, WBO, and WBC titleholder, 38-year-old Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs), and IBF belt-holder, 27-year-old Briton Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs), will take place. The rematch is intriguing. Usyk will once again fight for undisputed status – the third time in his career. Dubois has blossomed since their first bout and enters the rematch in a far more confident position.

There’s been plenty of talk about Daniel’s current form and the reshuffling in Usyk’s camp. Fans are drawing conclusions and delivering their verdict: it’s time for Usyk to lose. But here’s why it’s far too soon to count out the heavyweight champion of the new era.

Dubois' wins are impressive, but Usyk’s are tougher and more meaningful

The main talking point about Dubois ahead of the rematch is his recent victories – over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgović, and Anthony Joshua. Joshua was considered the heavy favorite going in. Bookmakers even had Hrgović as the favorite in that matchup, yet all three were knocked out by Dubois.

No doubt, it's a great run against high-level opponents, and the media did a phenomenal job of spotlighting those victories. In fact, the media impact may have even outweighed the boxing significance of those knockouts.

Yes, the Miller-Hrgović-Joshua trio is a substantial upgrade over the Cusumano-Bryan-Lerena stretch that preceded Dubois’ first meeting with Usyk. But the way these wins are being framed arguably inflates the perception of Daniel’s level.

It’s being made to look as if Dubois was a major underdog in all three fights. But that’s not true. He was favored against Miller – and won. For those with a more nuanced understanding of the sport, Daniel was a legitimate favorite against Hrgović. And heading into the Joshua bout, it was clear that with the right strategy and solid mental state, Dubois had what it took to be a real problem.

So, the wins over Miller and Hrgović weren’t upsets – they were to be expected from a fighter of Dubois’ caliber. The victory over Joshua was a perfect storm: Daniel had his best night, and Joshua had a deeply flawed one, both tactically and mentally.

But while the conversation often focuses on Dubois’ latest achievements, many tend to overlook Usyk’s recent accomplishments.

He fought Tyson Fury twice – the towering, unbeaten, lineal champion who twice knocked out Deontay Wilder and held every major belt at different times. Fury entered the first bout as the favorite. People said he was too big, too smart, too elusive – that he could outbox or knock Usyk out.

Instead, Usyk broke Tyson’s mid-fight game plan, survived an incredibly tough stretch, raised the tempo where others would’ve folded, and claimed a historic win. Then, he did it again – only this time, under conditions that made it even harder for Fury to land anything significant.

Usyk is an older champion, but decline? Not yet

Every big Usyk fight seems to come with concerns about his age. 38 is certainly not young for a top-level athlete, especially one who never takes easy fights. But every time something in the ring doesn’t go perfectly, people are quick to blame age.

His second fight with Joshua was closer – many started pointing to age, not Joshua’s improvements or the emotional toll of war in Ukraine on Usyk. When Dubois landed a low blow, people claimed Usyk looked slower due to age, forgetting he won nearly every round on the cards. The early stages of his first Fury bout began to lean Tyson’s way – again, the age talk resumed, despite Usyk securing the win.

But the rematch with Fury proved there’s no physical decline yet. Usyk had studied his opponent over 12 rounds and came in with a flawless game plan – and a few backups. He executed it from start to finish, with no physical drop-off. He was sharp on offense and airtight in defense.

Usyk’s style isn’t just about speed, as some suggest. Nor just movement, as others claim. It’s a full package best described as fight IQ. He knows what to do, when to do it, and – most importantly – how to win.

And facing Dubois a second time, he now has the advantage of prior experience – always a major asset for the Ukrainian.

Usyk’s camp has undergone upgrades – smarter, more scientific

Usyk’s team has long been one of the most respected in the sport. The results speak volumes: double undisputed champion, the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. No further explanation needed.

But the team isn’t standing still. Usyk now works with the Ready to Fight analytics division, which helps dissect boxing trends and deeply analyze opponents. His coaching staff now includes specialists who rely not just on athlete development experience but scientific principles. They monitor physical and cognitive data during camp and adjust training loads and recovery accordingly.

This means smarter prep, better recovery, and a tailored strategy to the opponent. As Serhii Lapin, Usyk’s team CEO, put it: “Usyk is an exam they can’t pass.”

Fighting away from home? Just more motivation for Usyk

Krzysztof Glowacki, Michael Hunter, Marco Huck, Mairis Briedis, Murat Gassiev, Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, and Anthony Joshua – all were beaten by Usyk in their home countries. Seven of those eight fights were for titles. And across all those fights, only one judge ever scored it a draw – the Briedis bout. All the rest ended in unanimous decisions or stoppages.

Yes, Dubois will be at home, with his fans behind him. The British public is eager to see one of their own crowned undisputed. But for Usyk, fighting away is nothing new. If anything, it pushes him to be even better.

The real change in Dubois is confidence, not technique

The biggest buzz around this fight isn’t about the venue – it’s about Dubois. People say he’s improved, and he certainly looks more confident. But whether he’s truly become a better technician remains to be seen.

He showed growth against Miller and Hrgović, but not massive leaps. And these are very different types of fighters than Usyk – they fight differently, have different strengths. Comparing them directly to Usyk is misleading.

The most important change in Dubois has been psychological. He’s on a win streak, people around him keep talking up his progress, and that feeds his self-belief. He’s confident he can take Usyk’s shots, stay composed, and win. That’s great – because that makes for the kinds of fights fans want: two high-level fighters who believe in their chances.

But once that bell rings, everything changes. The crowd’s words vanish when you realize your opponent is harder to hit clean than anyone you’ve faced. When he keeps switching up round to round, denying you a rhythm. When your breathing gets heavier – and he’s only getting faster.

That’s when your true level, skills, and confidence get tested. And there’s no doubt Usyk is ready to give Daniel that test.