5 MINUTES AGO: Martin Bakole Shocks Boxing World with Brutal Verdict on Usyk vs Dubois Rematch!

In a jaw-dropping moment that has set the boxing world ablaze, heavyweight contender Martin Bakole delivered a scathing prediction on the upcoming Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois rematch, scheduled for July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London. Just moments ago, on June 12, 2025, during a live interview with Sky Sports Boxing streamed on X, Bakole unleashed a brutal verdict that has left fans and analysts reeling: “Usyk will destroy Dubois again — he’s not on my level, let alone Usyk’s!” The Congolese powerhouse’s bold claim, rooted in his sparring experience with both fighters, has reignited debates about the highly anticipated heavyweight clash.

Bakole’s Explosive Claim

Bakole, ranked No. 3 by the IBF, didn’t hold back when asked about the Usyk-Dubois rematch, a fight for the undisputed heavyweight titles (WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF). Drawing on his firsthand knowledge from sparring sessions with both men, Bakole asserted, “I’ve knocked out both Usyk and Dubois in the gym. I know their weaknesses. Dubois can’t handle Usyk’s movement or brain. He’ll get outboxed, frustrated, and stopped again.” His comments echo a May 27, 2025, interview with iFL TV, where he claimed Usyk is unbeatable except by him, stating, “Usyk, except me, beats everyone.”

The first Usyk-Dubois fight in August 2023 ended in controversy, with Usyk stopping Dubois in the ninth round after a debated low blow in the fifth. Bakole referenced the incident, saying, “That body shot wasn’t enough to change the fight. Usyk was in control the whole time, and he’ll do it again, cleaner this time.” His prediction aligns with sentiments from figures like Terence Crawford, who recently called Usyk “levels above” Dubois, but Bakole’s added claim of superiority over both fighters has raised eyebrows.

A Heavyweight Landscape in Flux

The rematch comes after Usyk’s masterful unanimous decision win over Tyson Fury in December 2024, solidifying his status as the unified WBA, WBC, and WBO champion. Dubois, the IBF titleholder, earned his shot by knocking out Anthony Joshua in September 2024 but withdrew from a planned February 2025 defense against Joseph Parker due to illness, leading to Parker’s second-round knockout of Bakole. Bakole’s loss hasn’t dimmed his confidence, as he insisted, “Parker caught me on short notice. I’m still the most feared heavyweight, and Usyk knows it.”

Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalom, backed his fighter’s bold words, telling Sky Sports earlier this year that a win over Efe Ajagba on May 2, 2025, would position Bakole as the IBF mandatory challenger, ahead of Joshua. Although that fight was postponed after his loss to Parker, Bakole’s claim that he’s the only one capable of beating Usyk has kept him in the spotlight.

Fans and Experts React

Bakole’s verdict has sparked a firestorm on X. One user posted, “Bakole saying he’s above Usyk and Dubois? That’s wild! But he’s got a point about Usyk outclassing DDD.” Another countered, “Bakole’s talking big after Parker smoked him in two rounds. Dubois has power to shock Usyk.” Prince Naseem Hamed, who predicted Dubois would “destroy” Usyk in May 2025, stands in stark contrast to Bakole’s view, highlighting the divide in opinions.

Analysts are split. BoxingScene’s Jake Donovan noted that Usyk’s technical brilliance and 22-0 record make him the favorite, but Dubois’ knockout power (21-2, 20 KOs) can’t be ignored. Meanwhile, Bakole’s trainer, Billy Nelson, previously told Sky Sports that Bakole’s ability to “close the gap” and set traps makes him a unique threat to Usyk, lending credence to his bold claims.

The Road to July 19

The Usyk-Dubois rematch is a pivotal moment for the heavyweight division. Usyk, aiming to become a two-time undisputed champion, faces a resurgent Dubois, who has improved since their first encounter. Bakole’s comments, while controversial, underscore his ambition to challenge the winner, with a potential fight against Ajagba rescheduled for later in 2025 to secure his mandatory status.

As the boxing world counts down to Wembley, Bakole’s brutal verdict has added fuel to the fire. Will Usyk prove his dominance as Bakole predicts, or can Dubois defy the odds? One thing is certain: Bakole’s words have made him a central figure in the heavyweight conversation, whether fans believe his boasts or not.

For the latest updates, visit www.skysports.com or follow the heated debate on X.