Daniel Dubois has reignited his fiery feud with Oleksandr Usyk, declaring war on the Ukrainian champion ahead of their blockbuster rematch for the undisputed heavyweight title on July 19 at Wembley Stadium. In a heated interview with Sky Sports on May 6, the IBF champion unleashed a scathing attack, shouting, “You cheated!” and warning Usyk, “YOUR TRICKS WON’T SAVE YOU NOW!”—a bold statement that has set the stage for an explosive showdown.

Dubois’ Fiery Declaration

Dubois, still seething from their controversial first encounter in August 2023, didn’t hold back as he addressed the low blow incident that he believes robbed him of victory. “You cheated!” Dubois roared, his voice dripping with frustration. “That body shot was legal—I had you down, and you played the referee like a fool. YOUR TRICKS WON’T SAVE YOU NOW! I’m coming for revenge, and this time, I’ll put you to sleep for good.” The Londoner’s anger stems from the fifth round of their initial bout in Wroclaw, Poland, where his body shot floored Usyk, only for the referee to rule it a low blow, granting Usyk nearly four minutes to recover. Usyk went on to stop Dubois in the ninth round, but the call remains a sore point, with Dubois’ team, including trainer Don Charles, accusing Usyk of “conning” the boxing world.

Since that loss, Dubois has been on a tear, securing stoppage wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua, the latter in a stunning fifth-round knockout at Wembley in September 2024. Now holding the IBF belt, Dubois is brimming with confidence, vowing to right the wrong of 2023. “I’m a different beast now,” he added. “Usyk won’t survive me this time—I’ll make sure of it.”

The Controversy That Won’t Die

The first fight’s controversy has fueled this rivalry, with Dubois and his promoter Frank Warren repeatedly insisting the body shot was legitimate. Warren, who appealed the result to the WBA without success, stated in April 2025 that the punch landed on Usyk’s beltline, not below it, and that Usyk’s extended recovery time was unjustified. Usyk, however, has dismissed the claims, cheekily telling Dubois’ team at a recent press conference that he “won the fight with a jab” and even suggesting they were jealous, a comment that only further enraged Dubois’ camp.

Usyk, undefeated at 23-0, is no stranger to overcoming challenges, having beaten Tyson Fury twice to become the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in May 2024. But Dubois’ recent form—three straight knockouts—has some questioning if the Ukrainian’s body, which Warren claims is a weakness, could be exposed again. The tension boiled over at their first face-off on April 29, when Dubois shoved Usyk, prompting security to intervene, a moment Usyk laughed off but later called a sign of “weakness.”

Boxing World Reacts

The boxing community is abuzz, with fans on social media split between those who believe Dubois was cheated and others who see Usyk’s technical mastery as untouchable. Posts found on X highlight the drama, with some fans hyping Dubois’ newfound aggression, while others mock his chances against the pound-for-pound great. Analyst Spencer Oliver, speaking on talkSPORT in December 2024, criticized Dubois for crashing Usyk’s victory celebration after the Fury rematch, but acknowledged the Brit’s hunger for redemption.

Usyk, for his part, remains unfazed, stating in a May 4 interview with Boxing Scene that he has a “hidden weakness” only he knows, brushing off Dubois’ threats with his usual calm demeanor. Yet, with the stakes higher than ever—four belts on the line and a chance for Dubois to etch his name in British boxing history—the July 19 clash promises to be a defining moment for both fighters.

A Battle for the Ages

As the rematch approaches, Dubois’ declaration of war has added fuel to an already fiery rivalry. Will his power and determination topple Usyk, or will the Ukrainian’s skill and experience once again break British hearts? With Dubois vowing that Usyk’s “tricks” won’t save him, the stage is set for a showdown that could reshape the heavyweight division—and settle a score that has haunted Dubois for nearly two years.