Gazeta Lodz - Usyk's unification bout against Dubois confirmed for July 19

Ukrainian Usyk, who unified the heavyweight division with victory over Tyson Fury last May, is the WBA, WBO and WBC champion after vacating the IBF belt to fight Fury again in December.

Dubois was upgraded to IBF champion and defended the belt by defeating Anthony Joshua in September 2024.

The duo fought in 2023 when Usyk won via a ninth-round stoppage, although Dubois' camp were angered by referee Luis Pabon's decision to rule a fifth-round knockdown of Usyk as a low blow.

"This is the fight I wanted and demanded and now I get my chance for revenge against Oleksandr Usyk," Dubois said.

"I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee, so I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city.

"I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself on July 19."

The 38-year-old Usyk has won all 23 of his professional bouts and was also undisputed cruiserweight world champion.

He edged out Fury on points in a split decision in their first meeting, before winning by a unanimous decision in the rematch.

"I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship," he said.

"Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt -- now I want it back."

A press conference with the two fighters has been scheduled for Tuesday.

B.Ziolkowski--GL