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Usyk And Dubois Fire Verbal Shots During Final Presser
Jon Durr-Imagn Images

With the fight almost here, Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois came face-to-face at their final press conference ahead of their July 19 rematch for the undisputed heavyweight championship.

Usyk will put his WBA, WBC, and WBO titles on the line in a bout that carries high stakes and unresolved history. Their first fight had major controversy after Dubois sent Usyk to the canvas with a fifth-round body shot that was controversially ruled a low blow. Usyk recovered and stopped Dubois in the ninth. Dubois appealed the decision, but it was upheld. 

Usyk then became undisputed after beating Tyson Fury. He later vacated the IBF title, which Dubois claimed before defending it with a statement knockout win over Anthony Joshua. There is a perception that Usyk is ageing, as the 39-year-old is at the latter end of his career. While the Ukrainian has downplayed those fears, Dubois may not get a better chance to get a win. 

Pre-Fight

“I feel 23 or 24. Maybe because he’s a world champion. Daniel has grown. He won his last three fights. Daniel is a little bit different for this fight. For me, it doesn’t matter. Daniel has the IBF. Enough. It will be undisputed fight for four belts. Only this for me matters,” Usyk said

“I’m a different fighter now. There have been real improvements. I’m doing things I’ve always done but I’m doing them better. Maybe I just want it more now,” Dubois said

Presser

Full Card

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2; Heavyweight

Lawrence Okolie vs. Kevin Lerena; Heavyweight

Daniel Lapin vs. Lewis Edmondson; Heavyweight

Vladyslav Sirenko vs. Solomon Dacres; Heavyweight

Aadam Hamed vs. Ezequiel Gregores; Super lightweight

Lasha Guruli vs. James Francis; Super lightweight

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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