Latest news with #unification
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Oleksandr Usyk KNOCKS OUT Daniel Dubois in brutal fashion as he wins rematch to become three-time undisputed world champ
OLEKSANDR USYK delivered a heavyweight performance for the ages as he unified the division with an epic win over Daniel Dubois. Fans were off their seats at Wembley as both fighters produced a spectacle at the home of English football. 4 4 4 But it was Usyk who was all smiles at the final bell.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez's Texas return is a reminder of how far he's come
It's been more than five years since Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez stepped foot in the arena he's about to headline this weekend. The gifted southpaw was just 20 years old when he landed on a February 2020 card topped by stablemate and four-division champ Mikey Garcia's win over Jessie Vargas. Rodriguez was the first fighter through the door for a show at the Ford Center at The Star, the practice facility for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in Frisco, Texas. Outside of racking up his 11th win, his memories from that evening aren't particularly of the fond variety. 'It's crazy to think how far I've come since then. I was the first fight that night, and there were maybe 30 people in the building when I entered the ring," Rodriguez told Uncrowned. 'They didn't even have my name spelled right on the fight poster.' Ten fights and four world titles later, San Antonio's Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) no longer has to worry about fighting in anonymity. The proof is in the anticipated turnout Saturday for his junior bantamweight unification clash with South Africa's Phumelela Cafu (11-0-3, 8 KOs). Rodriguez, Uncrowned's No. 5 pound-for-pound fighter, risks his lineal and WBC 115-pound championship against the visiting Cafu, who attempts the first defense of his own WBO title. A crowd of roughly 12,000 is expected to be on hand at The Star — a 40,000% increase from the paltry number of fans who saw Rodriguez take out Marco Sustaita in the eighth round back in 2020, several hours before most of the fans filed in for that night's Garcia vs. Vargas DAZN main event. 'I think that's badass that fans are responding the way they have,' said Rodriguez, whose last fight in Texas was more than two years ago. 'We're only four hours away (from San Antonio). I have a lot of family and friends supporting me, so it's going to be amazing. 'It's a good feeling to be in this position. The last time I was here was five years ago. Nobody was here when my fight began, because I was the first fight on the show. To see how far I've come from then to headlining in the same place, it's amazing.' Even more amazing is the run Rodriguez has been on ever since he entered the title picture. Cafu represents the sixth former or current titlist Rodriguez will face over a span of just eight fights. He has picked up major titles on four of those nights, beginning with his February 2022 WBC junior bantamweight championship win over former champ Carlos Cuadras in Phoenix, Arizona. The opportunity came last-minute — Rodriguez was training for a flyweight bout on the undercard when he agreed to enter the main event at the higher weight on just six days' notice in place of an ill Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Hardly anyone was in attendance that night, though it remains the starting point of Rodriguez's rapid ascension to the top. He stuck it out at junior bantamweight for the rest of the year. The run included his first hometown headliner, to a much more favorable review. Fittingly, it came against Sor Rungvisai, a former lineal and WBC 115-pound champion whom Rodriguez obliterated inside of eight rounds in front a capacity crowd in San Antonio. Rodriguez returned home two fights later, again to rabid local support as he defeated Mexico's Cristian Gonzalez to win the vacant WBO flyweight title. His newfound status as a two-division beltholder came at a cost, however, as Rodriguez suffered a badly broken jaw midway through his April 2023 headliner with Gonzalez, delaying plans for a targeted unification clash against then-unbeaten IBF titlist Sunny Edwards. That fight came later in the year and represented Rodriguez's first true grudge match — as well as the first real sign of a box-office attraction on the horizon. The pre-fight build was spicy and often disrespectful, as England's Edwards crossed several lines in labeling Rodriguez's team and the SNAC program Rodriguez represents as cheaters. Their December 2023 unification bout took place at Desert Diamond Arena just outside of Phoenix and to a far more favorable turnout than when he faced Cuadras nearly two years prior. Rodriguez delivered big time for his newfound fan base, earning a ninth-round stoppage to become the top fighter at flyweight and among the sport's best pound-for-pound talents. Six months later, Rodriguez returned back to the area — and to the same venue where he claimed his first world title. The same WBC junior bantamweight belt was at stake, though claimed by Mexico's Juan Francisco Estrada, the division's recognized lineal champ since 2019. Rodriguez climbed off the canvas to knock Estrada out in the seventh round to begin his second WBC 115-pound title reign. The biggest fight of Rodriguez's career came with the crowd to match. The memorable clash in June 2024 sold 7,261 tickets, with the crowd largely split but in full support of Rodriguez by night's end — and for good reason. 'Phoenix has become my second home,' Rodriguez insisted. 'It's where I won my first world title, where I unified [in nearby Glendale] and where I became The Ring champion against Estrada. I even became a Phoenix Suns fan. I don't know when it will happen again but I'll definitely be back there for sure. 'For now, the priority was to return to my home state. I'm grateful the fans have responded the way they have.' So, too, is the team who has believed in him during his rise through the ranks. 'The most pleasing thing about the show this weekend — aside from the number of people [who will be] in the building — is that Jesse is finally getting the recognition he deserves,' Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn told Uncrowned. 'He's one of the best in the world for sure. But often, the harsh truth is that the [115-pound] division doesn't always get that recognition. 'But he has this almost cult following, this quiet aura about him that draws people in. The remarkable thing about this is that he's not even doing it in his home city. Dallas is four hours away, but he's got friends and family coming in and the local turnout has been incredible." A win on Saturday will put Rodriguez in line to face yet another reigning titlist in Fernando "Pumita" Rodriguez (18-0, 9 KOs), a tough-as-nails Argentinean who holds the WBA belt. The bout was already announced earlier this month by Turki Alalshikh, boxing's biggest current financier who secured the fight as part of his Nov. 22 super-card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Neither that matchup nor Martinez's name were even mentioned by Rodriguez or Hearn during Thursday's final pre-fight press conference. 'First of all, it would have been extremely disrespectful to Cafu,' acknowledged Hearn. 'Look, the fight was made and announced sooner than we'd have liked, but Jesse really didn't have a choice. It was either take the fight or lose the spot on that card. 'But we just got to keep Jesse focused, which has never, ever been an issue. It's a little awkward to be in this position, but it's just more motivation to win this weekend.' Rodriguez doesn't even need the allure of a bigger fight down the road to prevail in the one directly in front of him. His only motivation to win during his 2020 appearance at The Star was to remain unbeaten. After all, it wasn't like he could look out into the crowd for extra support. Then again, it was motivation to make sure he didn't have that problem the next time he rolled into town. 'Returning to my home state to be in a unification really means a lot to me,' said Rodriguez. 'We didn't know what the fan reaction would be like when we agreed to this fight, just that we knew it would be a lot bigger for me than the last time I was here. 'It's a great feeling to welcome another champion to Texas and bring a fight like this to my fans.' While all of his focus is on Cafu and not at all on the fight that awaits in November, there is one fantasy event that Rodriguez can't help but visualize. 'Maybe one day, we can take a big fight to the Alamodome,' Rodriguez dreamed aloud of headlining at the 73,000-seat venue in his hometown. 'Imagine that, going from first fight of the night in front of almost nobody to bringing out all of San Antonio.'
Telegraph
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Big-name predictions for Dubois vs Usyk – and it's a split decision
Oleksandr Usyk faces Britain's Daniel Dubois for their re-match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night 23 months after their previous meeting which Usyk won but not without controversy. The unification bout pits Dubois, the 27-year-old Londoner who holds the IBF world heavyweight title against Usyk, the former undisputed champion who relinquished that belt but retains the WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring Magazine championships. In their first fight in Wroclaw Dubois believed he knocked down the Ukrainian legally, but his punch was deemed a low blow before Usyk went on to secure a ninth-round stoppage. Since then Dubois has beaten Anthony Joshua and Usyk has twice defeated Tyson Fury to set up the fight of the year. Here's how experts are calling it: 'Dubois is ready' Lennox Lewis, former undisputed heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is ready. He's the king-slayer. He's got the power. He knocked Oleksandr Usyk down before, so he knows what he needs to do. It's not an easy task but he's definitely the man that can go through with it. He's seen a weakness in the first fight. I believe [when] there's a weakness, you've got to attack it. Don't give Usyk short cuts. This fight is everything. Daniel's a pretty determined, focused fighter. He's ready. 'Usyk on points' Ricky Hatton, former two-weight world champion It's very hard to go against Usyk. He's a boxing master, a fantastic judge of timing and range – and nothing like I've ever seen. Look what he did against Tyson Fury in spite of the height and weight advantages. But I also think Dubois has a better chance of beating Usyk than anyone in the division, and he'll give Usyk a better fight than last time. His confidence is high, adding Kieran Farrell to the training team will add fluency. He needs to put it on Usyk, which is not beyond his reach. We know about the alleged low blow in the first fight. I expect him to cause more problems. Better fight, closer fight, and I have the feeling it will be close. Daniel will push him further than ever before, but Usyk will win on points. 'Hopefully Dubois has learnt his lesson' Roy Jones Jnr, former multi-weight world champion It's a great match up and hopefully we will see Dubois having learnt something from the first fight. If he can catch Usyk with a big punch, who knows? Usyk is not one of the bigger heavyweights, but at the same time Usyk did stop him last time with a jab. Dubois will have to do something really impressive to beat Usyk. 'Go in 50-50 and you're getting knocked out by Usyk' Derek Chisora, fought Usyk at heavyweight You must be more crazy than Usyk. You have to want it more. You have to go to the other side, where you don't want to go. So if you are prepared to go there, you could win the fight. But if you are going in 50-50, you're getting knocked out. It's going to be difficult for Dubois. Usyk is always using movement. So if you come forward and then sideways, and he is in the middle of the ring, he won't go back to the ropes, he will go left, right and move sideways. The safe money is on Usyk, I'm not going to lie. But you never know with this young kid Dubois. He's hungry, he wants it. 'I've placed a big bet on Usyk' Saul Canelo Alvarez, two-weight division undisputed champion Usyk has very strong stamina; he's very technical and smart. When I see someone with that focus, I back them. That's why I placed a big bet on his victory. 'Usyk is the best… he'll win in the late rounds' Tony Bellew, fought Usyk at cruiserweight Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world. He's probably the best heavyweight of our era. He's amazing at what he does. Dubois has been amazing. I've written him off on a number of occasions and he's come back to prove me wrong. You've got to give him a shot and he's in with a chance, but Usyk has already made him quit once. Dubois is at a stage in his career where he's overcome such adversity, and he's the most confident he's ever been. But he'll get stopped between rounds eight and 12. 'Dubois – if he can get heavy shots in early' Amir Khan, former two-weight world champion It will be an amazing fight. Dubois has to do more early, set the pace, as Usyk can be a slow starter. If Dubois can get heavy shots in early, he can win this fight. Coming off a great victory against Anthony Joshua, his confidence will be high. He wants it more, and he could nick it. On the other side, Usyk is such a smart fighter, but I would like to lean towards Dubois as a British fighter to make history. 'Dubois doesn't have the skills' Carl Froch, former super-middleweight world champion It's going to go the distance, or be a late stoppage for Usyk. Dubois can make it hard for Usyk, but I don't think he's got the pedigree or skills. Close competitive fight for five to seven rounds, but then Usyk takes over, puts the pressure on. 'Usyk late or on points' Joe Calzaghe, former undefeated two-weight world champion Usyk probably on points or late stoppage although Dubois will be dangerous in the early rounds. 'Usyk will confuse Daniel' Joseph Parker, former WBO heavyweight champion Dubois has to show something mentally different and stronger from the first fight. Chisora showed us the blueprint of how to fight Usyk with aggression and pressure, confidence and non-stop punching. But Usyk, being the masterclass fighter that he is, a technician, feints, movement, footwork, he will confuse Daniel and win on points, or even get a late stoppage, similar to the first fight. Johnny Nelson, former world cruiserweight champion Usyk to stop him again, but I would not be surprised if Dubois is too strong for him, and the timing is perfect. Usyk 38, Daniel 27, probably the most athletic heavyweight out there, so I give him a puncher's chance. Because we have not seen Usyk lose, it is hard to see how he loses, with that boxing brain. But I have to lean towards Usyk. 'Usyk is too accurate and will exploit Dubois' lack of movement' Duke McKenzie, former three-weight world champion Usyk wins this fight for different reasons. The main reason, he already holds a victory over Dubois, so he has the psychological edge. Dubois will be fit, and Dubois will have to make this a bloodbath if he has any chance of securing a victory. Dubois is not going to win on points. His main problem is that there is no lateral movement. No head movement. Every time he unloads he can be hit. You can't do that with Usyk. He's too accurate. Dubois will bring out the best in him. Vintage performance coming from Usyk. I expect him to stop Dubois around round 9 or 10. 'Dubois, because of his punching power' Spencer Oliver, former European champion Dubois has matured, improved and with his power punching can win this time by midway stoppage. This is a completely different fight to the first one, and I'm tipping Dubois. 'Dubois is fresher and stronger' Dave Allen, Usyk sparring partner I'd go for a Dubois stoppage. He's the younger, fresher, stronger man and he is getting Usyk at the right time. 'Dubois will stop him' Frank Warren, promoter of Dubois I do not believe it was a low blow in the first fight. Daniel by stoppage this time around. 'Usyk by late stoppage' Eddie Hearn, promoter I think Dubois has a real shot here but taking the patriotism away I go for Usyk by stoppage rounds 9 to 12. 'Usyk will dominate late rounds to win' Gareth A Davies, Telegraph Boxing Correspondent Usyk to win by decision or by late stoppage rounds 9 to 12. Dynamite DD will be dangerous for the first half of the fight, needing to attack 'The Cat' Usyk with sustained pressure. Dubois likely needs a stoppage, and needs to fight, rather than box. For me, the Ukrainian will take over from the mid rounds onwards, nullifying Dubois, perhaps even demoralising the younger man by 11 years, to claim a decision victory, or possibly a late stoppage.
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
I feel like I can't be beat right now – Dubois feeling good ahead of Usyk fight
Daniel Dubois feels 'unstoppable' ahead of Saturday's world heavyweight unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk, but kept his cards close to his chest during a low-key open workout on Wednesday. Dubois (22-2, 21KOs) and WBA, WBO and WBC champion Usyk (23-0, 14KOs) are days out from a blockbuster contest under the arch in London where all four belts in the blue-riband division will be on the line for the first time in England. Usyk was victorious during their first meeting in Poland back in 2023, but Dubois has rebuilt his career with impressive knockout wins against Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and compatriot Anthony Joshua during the past 18 months. During an interview with the BBC before his workout at BOXPARK Wembley, Dubois said: 'I have resurrected myself, resurrected my career and now we're on a roll. Unstoppable, I feel like I can't be beat right now. I'm in the prime of my life and I'm going to go through whatever I have to do.' Each media event until Wednesday has produced a flashpoint, with the first face-off on April 28 ending prematurely after Dubois pushed Usyk in the chest on the Wembley pitch. A day later and Dubois' trainer Don Charles insisted Usyk deserved an 'Oscar' for his antics in 2023 where the Ukrainian was given more than three minutes to recover from a punch by the British boxer deemed to be an illegal low blow. Dubois upped the ante again at the start of fight week on Tuesday when he shouted his own name in Usyk's face outside Wembley in response to chants in support of his rival, but Wednesday passed without incident. Within five minutes of Dubois entering the canvas at 5.15pm to strong applause, the 27-year-old was out and heading for the exit following barely 60 seconds of shadow boxing. During an interview inside the canvas which went on almost as long as his open workout, Dubois said: 'I'm switched on and focused. Ready to cause chaos in that ring and ready to go. 'I'm grateful for this opportunity and ready to seize it. I'm ready for the moment. 'Tune in on Saturday because we're going to get that victory. Come on! 'To the whole team it means a lot, to all of us. We've worked hard for this and we're not going to let this one go.' Usyk did ensure his workout lasted longer, but not by much, with the venue beginning to clear by 5.30pm. After being announced to a thunderous ovation, with several Ukraine flags on display, Usyk proceeded to dance, shadow box and take a couple of hits to his body before he concluded a five-minute session with a reference to the ongoing war in his home country. Wearing a black t-shirt with the words 'Free Azovstal Defenders' across the chest, Usyk highlighted the phrase, which refers to Ukrainian soldiers defending the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol from Russia, and then left the ring without an interview as attention now shifts to Thursday's press conference at Wembley.
BreakingNews.ie
16-07-2025
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
‘Unstoppable' Daniel Dubois vows to 'cause chaos' against Oleksandr Usyk
Daniel Dubois feels 'unstoppable' ahead of Saturday's world heavyweight unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium. Dubois and WBA, WBO and WBC champion Usyk are days out from a blockbuster contest under the arch in London where all four belts in the blue-riband division will be on the line for the first time in England. Advertisement British boxer Dubois went head to head with Usyk on Tuesday afternoon outside Wembley and responded to chants in favour of his rival by shouting his own name in the face of the Ukrainian. Usyk was victorious during their first meeting in Poland back in 2023, but Dubois has rebuilt his career with impressive knockouts wins against Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and compatriot Anthony Joshua during the past 18 months. With the 38-year-old Usyk coming towards the end of his own golden period in the heavyweight ranks, Dubois, 27, is confident his time is now as he attempts to become Britain's first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. 'I have resurrected myself, resurrected my career and now we're on a roll, ' Dubois told the BBC. Advertisement 'Unstoppable, I feel like I can't be beat right now. I'm in the prime of my life and I'm going to go through whatever I have to do, Oleksandr Usyk (left) and Dubois during a press conference at Wembley in April (Andrew Matthews/PA) 'I've got to beat him this time and I am going to win. I am going to cause chaos, knockout, by any means possible. I am ready. Man, I'm ready 100 per cent. 'As soon as the bell rings my whole approach is to seek and destroy, bring chaos, get the victory and seize the moment.' Dubois and Usyk will cross paths again on Wednesday as they take part in open workout sessions at BOXPARK Wembley. Advertisement
