Nick Ball Questions Usyk’s Body Durability Ahead of Dubois Clash

The boxing world is abuzz with controversy as featherweight champion Nick Ball has thrown down a bold challenge, questioning Oleksandr Usyk’s body durability ahead of his rematch with Daniel Dubois on July 19! Ball’s pointed remarks, made during a fiery interview earlier today, suggest that Usyk’s resilience could be tested once again, reigniting debates about the Ukrainian’s weakness and setting the stage for an explosive showdown at Wembley Stadium!

Ball’s Bold Claim

The stir began during a live appearance on TalkSPORT this afternoon, where Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs) didn’t shy away from stirring the pot. The Liverpool native, fresh off his own title defense, turned his attention to Usyk’s upcoming clash with Dubois, focusing on the Ukrainian’s vulnerability to body shots. “Usyk’s got a chink in his armor, and it’s in the body,” Ball declared. “That fifth-round shot from Dubois in their first fight showed it—Usyk went down hard and needed nearly four minutes to recover. If Daniel targets that area again, he could finish it. Usyk’s durability is overrated!” Ball’s comments echo his earlier statements, where he argued that Dubois’ controversial punch in August 2023 was a legitimate body shot, not a low blow as ruled by referee Luis Pabon.

The 2023 fight saw Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) retain his titles with a ninth-round knockout, but the fifth-round incident—where Dubois’ right hand dropped Usyk, leading to a lengthy recovery period—has remained a sore point. Ball believes Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs), now the IBF heavyweight champion, can exploit this perceived flaw to turn the tables in their rematch.

The Rematch Context

The July 19 bout at Wembley Stadium is poised to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion on British soil, with Usyk’s WBC, WBA, and WBO belts on the line against Dubois’ IBF title. Their first encounter in Poland was marred by controversy when Usyk’s prolonged recovery from the fifth-round shot allowed him to rally and stop Dubois. Dubois and his team have since claimed the punch was legal, a sentiment Ball now amplifies, suggesting Usyk’s body might not hold up under sustained pressure.

Usyk, who has dismissed such criticisms with humor—once joking that his weakness is “hidden in an egg inside a dragon”—remains unfazed. However, Ball’s remarks have reopened the debate, with many pointing to Usyk’s leaner frame as a potential liability against Dubois’ power, especially after the Ukrainian’s grueling back-to-back wins over Tyson Fury.

Fans and Fighters React

Ball’s provocative stance has sparked a whirlwind of reactions. On social media, opinions are divided: “Nick Ball might be onto something—Usyk’s body could be his Achilles’ heel!” one fan posted, while another countered, “Usyk’s a warrior; Ball’s just hyping Dubois for clout!” Dubois himself seized the moment, tweeting, “Nick’s got a point. Time to test that body again on July 19. 🥊” Usyk’s camp, however, brushed it off, with manager Egis Klimas stating, “Oleksandr’s ready for anything. Let them talk—July will tell the story.”

Analyst Carl Froch weighed in on Sky Sports, saying, “Ball’s raising a valid concern. Usyk’s movement is elite, but if Dubois lands clean to the body, it could change everything. This rematch is wide open.” The exchange has only heightened the anticipation, with Ball’s comments adding fuel to an already heated rivalry.

What’s at Stake?

For Usyk, a victory would solidify his legacy as a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, while a loss could end his reign and expose the durability questions Ball has highlighted. For Dubois, knocking out Usyk—especially with a body shot—would erase the controversy of their first fight and establish him as Britain’s heavyweight king. Ball’s warning has turned the focus to Usyk’s physical resilience, making this rematch a must-watch test of endurance and strategy.

As the clock ticks toward July 19, the boxing world waits to see if Ball’s prediction holds true or if Usyk will silence his doubters once again. Will Dubois exploit a weakness, or will Usyk prove his mettle?

What do you think? Is Usyk’s body durability a real concern, or will he outlast Dubois? Share your thoughts below!