Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 LIVE: Ring walk time, undercard results and round-by-round updates as Dynamite looks to become the first Brit to unify the heavyweight division in the four-belt era
Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the ring walk times, undercard results and round-by-round updates as Daniel Dubois takes on Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley.
Dubois’ time to make history?
This is the moment that Daniel Dubois has been waiting for his whole life.
When I sat down with Dubois at the Farm Gym last month, with the Wembley Arch taking over the skyline in the distance, he was clear about one thing. Tonight is the night he becomes a legend of the sport; it’s time to create a legacy.
And going by what I saw in the boxing ring that day, it’s most certainly possible.
Dubois looked the sharpest and the fittest I have ever seen him, and did it all with a smile on his face.
If there is one thing I know for sure, Dubois will not be feeling the pressure when he steps into the ring tonight. He is ready to shock the world.
‘Rain not dampening spirits’
The rain may be pouring… but it certainly isn’t dampening the atmosphere. Usyk has just arrived, Daniel Dubois is en route and the place is crawling with celebrities.
From Premier League stars to movie scenes icons, the biggest and best names are turning out for this evening’s event. For Usyk it’s legacy cementing and for Dubois it’s history making. Who knows which way it will go but that’s part of the intrigue right?
Dubois builds his perfect boxer
I spent some time with Daniel Dubois in early June as he started his training camp, and well, it was one hell of a day.
Now, we will get into that later, but first, I wanted to share a nice little game we played on the day.
Dubois built his perfect boxer, and well, if this was a fighter, there is no way I would want to get near them in the ring.
I only weigh 73kg and have noodles for arms, mind.
‘Dubois needs to get jab going’
Lennox Lewis, former undisputed heavyweight champion, makes his prediction to BBC Sport:
Dubois has to get that jab going, push him against the ropes and start combinations – don’t waste punches and stay eager. Remember he is the true heavyweight and needs to press him.
Usyk is the number one guy, a great boxer and a great champion. When you come you have to come with that in mind and be first and be last with your punches.
‘Father Time may get Usyk’
Eddie Hearn, boxing promoter, gives his prediction to BBC Sport:
Dubois has a real shot here. He has great confidence right now and sooner or later Father Time may get Usyk. Patriotism aside I think Usyk will drain him and stop him between rounds nine and 12.
Predictions for Usyk-Dubois?
I’m feeling a little different tonight.
Normally, I leave prediction time until just before the fight, but to heck with it, let’s pull the trigger early this evening.
Most of the people I have spoken to are siding with who many believe is the greates heavyweight of this generation, and maybe all time, Oleksandr Usyk.
I’ve only met one group of people who are backing Daniel Dubois, and they are those within his camp that I spoke to last month when I watched the Brit train.
Or am I wrong? Do you guys think Dubois can do what many perceive as unthinkable?
Let me know in the comments.
Wet night at Wembley
As somebody who lives in London, I can tell you all just how horrific the weather has been today in the capital. Honestly, it’s made me quite sad; rain always does.
It was torrential this morning, and bar a short sunny spell in the afternoon, it’s been pretty grim all day.
So if you are heading to the fight, follow the lead of these guys… bring your poncho.
What’s on the line?
Well, everything. Literally everything.
Whoever wins tonight will take home all four belts that the heavyweight division has to offer. They will be the best, and nobody could dispute it.
Now, that must be some feeling.
Oleksandr Usyk already knows what it feels like, as he took home the WBC heavyweight title, WBO heavyweight title, WBA heavyweight title, and IBF heavyweight title after beating Tyson Fury the first time last May.
But these days, only three of them are his. The IBF title is currently in the clutches of Dubois, and he is hungry for more.
Who will have all four draped over their shoulders come 11pm tonight?
Under the arch
Yes, Madison Square Garden is top class, then, of course, you simply can’t forget about Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Both are amazing, but nowhere hosts a blockbuster bout quite as spectacularly as Wembley Stadium. I don’t know why, but fights under the arch are so special.
I have no doubt that tonight will be the very same.
Big night ahead
Look, I know you are all here for the main event, but nights like these are not just about the big bout at the end.
Tonight, we have a whopper of an undercard before Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois even get close to Wembley, let alone the ring.
We are already three fights down on this huge night, but there are still three tasty battles to come.
Vladyslav Sirenko vs. Solomon Dacres – Heavyweight
Daniel Lapin vs. Lewis Edmondson – Light heavyweight
Lawrence Okolie vs. Kevin Lerena – Heavyweight
Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois – Undisputed heavyweight championship title fight
Time for revenge?
Alexa, play Playback by James Brown… and turn that volume up!
‘The brother get ready, that’s a fact. Get ready (something quite rude that I can’t repeat) for the big payback.’
Yep, you know the lyrics. Well, if you were born before the turn of the century, I hope you would. I’m only 25, and I know it.
If I were Daniel Dubois, I’d be listening to it on repeat for every single hour taking to the ring at Wembley Stadium at 10pm tonight. That is when he will be out for payback against Oleksandr Usyk.
23 months ago, Dubois watched the Ukrainian have his hand raised in Poland after he was stopped nine rounds into what was a gruelling battle. Ever since, he has been plotting his revenge.
Well, now his time has come.
We waited years for an undisputed heavyweight championship unification fight; now we are having our second in just two years. It feels like Christmas.
Wembley is ready, I’m ready… are you ready?
It’s time to get what could be the greatest show of the year, or you never know, the decade, on the road!