British heavyweight contender Daniel Dubois has officially signed a jaw-dropping $25 million contract for a high-stakes rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning unified heavyweight world champion. The much-anticipated bout is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium later this year in what is already being billed as the biggest heavyweight grudge match since Fury vs. Wilder.
“I’m not coming to box — I’m coming to destroy,” Dubois declared in a fiery press conference in London, sending shockwaves through the boxing world. “Last time, I gave him too much respect. This time, I’m walking through him.”
The Backstory: Redemption or Repeat?
The rematch comes almost exactly one year after their controversial first encounter in Poland, where Usyk retained his titles via ninth-round stoppage. That fight sparked a global debate after Dubois dropped Usyk in the fifth round with what was controversially ruled a low blow. Dubois and his team have never accepted that ruling, insisting that the shot was legal and that Usyk was given excessive time to recover.
“I should’ve been champion that night,” Dubois said. “They stole that moment from me, but this time, there’s no saving him.”
Since that loss, Dubois has rebuilt his career with back-to-back knockout wins, regaining momentum and once again becoming a dangerous force in the heavyweight division. The 26-year-old London native has shown improved composure, sharper combinations, and a renewed hunger that many say was missing before.
Usyk, on the other hand, has remained unbeaten and dominant. The Ukrainian maestro holds the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, having previously dethroned Anthony Joshua in 2021 and defended the belts with surgical precision. Known for his footwork, ring IQ, and resilience, Usyk laughed off Dubois’ threats during a recent Ukrainian media appearance.
“He had one chance and missed it. Now I know everything about him. Let’s see what he does when the lights are brightest again.”
The Deal: Big Money, Bigger Stakes
Sources close to both camps confirmed that Dubois’ $25 million purse includes a base payment, a percentage of the UK pay-per-view revenue, and performance-based incentives. It marks the largest payday of Dubois’ career by far — and one of the most lucrative contracts ever offered to a British fighter not yet holding a world title.
Promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions praised the deal:
“This is Daniel’s moment. The money is massive, yes, but what’s at stake is even bigger — legacy, redemption, and the heavyweight crown. Wembley will be electric.”
The bout is expected to draw over 90,000 fans, with early ticket registrations already breaking records. British boxing authorities have confirmed extra security and infrastructure to accommodate what could be the largest combat sports event in UK history.
Training Camp Intensity Rises
Dubois has begun a grueling training camp under the guidance of veteran trainer Don Charles, known for his no-nonsense style and ability to get fighters mentally ready for war.
“We’re going back to the old-school,” Charles said. “Forget fancy stuff — this is going to be brute force and intelligent pressure.”
Usyk, meanwhile, continues to train in Kyiv, maintaining his strict military-like discipline. Footage released by his team shows the 37-year-old sparring with younger, faster heavyweights, possibly preparing for a more aggressive Dubois in the rematch.
Prediction? Fireworks.
With bad blood, high drama, and career-defining implications, this rematch has all the ingredients of a heavyweight classic. Dubois wants vengeance. Usyk wants to silence all doubt.
Whether it’s redemption or repeat, one thing is certain — Wembley will shake when these two collide.
