Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning world heavyweight champion from Ukraine, tipped the scales at a weight 12 pounds lighter than his British rival Daniel Dubois during the weigh-in on Friday. This event is in anticipation of their forthcoming title match set to take place in Wroclaw, Poland.
Usyk, who currently holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO belts, registered a weight of 100.2kg (220.9lbs), in contrast to the weight of his opponent, Dubois, who measured in at 105.8kg (233.2lbs), despite being taller.
The Ukrainian boxer, who symbolizes the hopes of a nation standing against a Russian invasion, had previously weighed 100.5kg for his last bout, which occurred against Britain’s Anthony Joshua around a year ago in Saudi Arabia.
While acknowledging his lighter weight compared to Daniel, the 36-year-old Ukrainian fighter emphasized his determination, saying, “Maybe I don’t have the same mass as Daniel, but I possess heart.” Oleksandr Usyk remains undefeated with a 20-0 record, and he can expect strong support from his fellow countrymen who will constitute the majority of the audience at the open-air Tarczynski Arena.
On the other side, Dubois, aged 25 and with a professional record of 19 victories and a single defeat, stepped onto the scale at his lightest weight in six years, shedding seven pounds since his last match.
Dubois simply said, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who strengthens my hands for war and my fingers to fight. Amen,” in response to a query about his thoughts on the match.
The two fighters were introduced on stage by Michael Buffer, the American ring announcer, who aimed to infuse some energy into the rather subdued event. Usyk proudly waved flags in support of Ukraine during the introduction.
Usyk’s previous triumph over Joshua occurred through a split decision in Jeddah a year ago. However, he enters this upcoming title defense with a significant advantage as the favored contender.
The event will have a strong Ukrainian presence, with seven Ukrainian boxers participating in the undercard matches.
Despite the anticipation for a unification fight between Tyson Fury, the WBC belt holder from Britain, and Oleksandr Usyk, discussions have stalled since March. Currently, Tyson Fury is scheduled to take on former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou on October 28 in Saudi Arabia, adhering to professional boxing regulations.
