In what is a jam-packed day (Sat., July 19, 2025) for combat sports — which includes UFC 318, PFL Africa and Pacquiao vs. Barrios — WBA (Super), WBO and WBC champion, Oleksandr Usyk, and IBF Heavyweight titleholder, Daniel Dubois, will join the fray as they tango one more time later this afternoon inside Wembley Stadium in London, England (live stream here). In the co-main event, Lawrence Okolie battles Kevin Lerena for Okolie’s WBC Silver Heavyweight title.
What’s Hot:
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Usyk is one of the greatest boxers of his generation. Undefeated (23-0) with 14 knockouts, Usyk has toppled all comers, including legendary names such as Tyson Fury (twice) and Anthony Joshua (twice), and now he wants to double up Dubois, too. In their first fight back in Aug. 2023, Usyk knocked out “Triple D” in the ninth round (see it again here), so it stands to reason that he is coming in with an abundance of confidence … and rightfully so.
Usyk has shown little-to-no weaknesses inside the ring, and seems to get better after every fight. Is he lacking motivation after taking out all-comers? That is highly-unlikely even at age 38; however, when fresh challenges aren’t emerging, one has to at least wonder.
As for Dubois, he has won three straight since getting stopped by Usyk, which was his first and only defeat. He ultimately locked down his chance at revenge by knocking out the aforementioned Joshua back in Sept. 2024 (see it again here). Whether or not he’s improved enough in the two years since to stop the freight train that Usyk is another story.
Dubois is talented no doubt, but when a fighter comes into a rematch against someone who has demolished him or her previously, it weighs heavy. Nevertheless, “Triple D” is out to shock the world with a win over “The Cat,” which would mark a significant upset.
How The ‘Prelims’ Look:
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IBF Intercontinental and WBA Continental Light Heavyweight champion, Daniel Lapin, will defend his titles against Lewis Edmondson in a fun scrap. Lapin, 28, began his career five years ago and has since amassed a perfect record (11-0) with four knockouts, his latest a unanimous decision over Dylan Colin back in Dec. 2024 (on the Usyk-Fury undercard).
The Ukrainian boxer continues to impress in his young career.
Meanwhile, Edmondson — also undefeated (11-0) with three knockouts since 2019 — holds the British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight titles. Though he often relies on scorecards, the Southpaw can deliver knockout power.
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Prior to that showdown, Lasha Guruli vs. James Francis will collide in a 140-pound bout.
Guruli, a 28-year-old Georgian, debuted professionally this year with a unanimous decision win over Bernard Abbey. He earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. A victory over Francis could boost his early career.
Francis, 24, nicknamed “Two Dogs,” holds a 7-1 record, coming off a unanimous decision victory over Karl Sampson, his fourth straight win. Expect a thrilling clash between these rising talents.
Who Needs A Win Badly:
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In a run that mirrors that of Bob Sapp, Ezequiel Gregores is on a 17-fight losing streak and has a record of just 3-23. I double checked … it’s not a joke. For the life of me, I can’t understand the reason(s) promoters keep booking the 31-year-old Argentinean who is clearly not good.
Nevertheless, he will step inside the ring once more in an attempt to secure his first win in four years, facing 25-year-old Aadam Hamed, who is undefeated (5-0) with three knockouts.
It doesn’t take a genius to see what’s going on here.
Interest Level: 7/10
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In the co-main event, Okolie will defend his Silver Heavyweight title against the aforementioned Lerena. Okolie is 21-1 with 16 knockouts on his resume. The British brawler lost his WBO Cruiserweight title in May 2023, and has since won WBC’s Bridgerweight belt and WBC’s Silver Light Heavyweight strap.
Now, I’m not going to act like he’s fought and defeated the cream of the crop, but a win here could get him closer to bigger name showdowns.
As for Lerena, he was named WBC’s Bridgerweight champion after Okolie vacated in late 2024 and is coming off a third round knockout win over Serhiy Radchenko. That said, he is just 2-3 in his last five fights, but defeating Okolie would be the biggest win of his career.
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In another Heavyweight showdown, undefeated big man Vladyslav Sirenko (22-0) will face Solomon Dacres (9-1). Dacres is coming off the first and only loss of his career, coming up short against David Adeleye, who knocked him out in the ninth round late last year.
As a result, Dacres dropped his English Heavyweight title.
Dacres only has three knockouts on his resume to Sirenko’s 19, but just like his opponent, he does have the power to end the fight in the blink of an eye. Sirenko is the current WBC–ABCO and WBO Asia Pacific Heavyweight champion.
The Usyk vs. Dubois 2-led card, which will stream live online via DAZN at 2 p.m. ET, falls short of thrilling beyond the PPV main event. The undercard, starting with a fighter on a 17-loss streak, lacks spark.
Still, Usyk’s bouts are must-watch events — his enigmatic style and electrifying skill guarantee action, often resulting in stoppage victories. Should he defeat Dubois once again later this evening, a potential third clash with Fury somehow still looms, promising another mind-blowing showdown.
Full Usyk vs. Dubois 2 Fight Card:
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DAZN PPV Main Event ( 4:45 p.m. ET):
Heavyweight: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois for Usyk’s WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBO and The Ring Heavyweight titles and Dubois’ IBF Heavyweight belt
Usyk vs. Dubois 2 DAZN PPV Main Card ( 2 p.m. ET):
Heavyweight: Lawrence Okolie vs. Kevin Lerena for Okolie’s WBC Silver Heavyweight title
175 lbs.: Daniel Lapin vs. Lewis Edmondson for Lapin’s IBF Intercontinental and WBA Continental Light Heavyweight titles
Heavyweight: Vladyslav Sirenko vs. Solomon Dacres
Uskyk vs. Dubois YouTube Undercard ( 12:30 p.m. ET)
140 lbs.: Lasha Guruli vs. James Francis
140 lbs.: Aadam Hamed vs. Ezequiel Gregores
here.