A Sold Out Venue

Oleksandr Usyk has once again shown why he’s in a class of his own. His supreme ring IQ, movement, and composure continue to set him apart from the rest of the heavyweight division. I have always rated Usyk, he is an exceptional fighter. His performance in the rematch against Daniel Dubois was another reminder that there are true levels to this game. Going into the fight, I had questions. At 37, Usyk was facing a younger, sharper Dubois who had shown noticeable improvement since their first encounter. I thought this might be the moment when Usyk, with age creeping in, could come unstuck. But I hold my hands up, he delivered an outstanding display of discipline, timing, and control.

From my position at ringside and as a former heavyweight myself , I was studying the fight, looking for possible openings that Dubois might have capitalised on. I was expecting to see him make better use of his jab, using both single and double jabs to set up those long, powerful right hands. But Usyk had done his homework. He completely shut those opportunities down. His ability to neutralise Dubois’s size and strength was a masterclass in strategy and execution.

It had been mentioned to me that there was some disturbance within the Dubois camp. I sensed that something was not quite right too. But even if everything had gone smoothly behind the scenes, I am not sure it would have changed the result. Usyk was simply a level above.

Right now, I do not see a real threat to Usyk’s position at the top of the division. The only opponent that might catch up with him is time. But while he is there, fully focused and in shape, Usyk stands alone as the current king of the heavyweights.