Stunning Upsets in Boxing History: You Won’t Believe What You See
Boxing has long been a sport defined by its unpredictability, where underdogs rise to shatter expectations and etch their names in history. As the world gears up for the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, the echoes of past stunning upsets serve as a thrilling reminder that anything can happen in the ring. Prepare to be amazed by some of the most jaw-dropping turnarounds in the sport’s legacy, setting the stage for what could be another historic shock.
One of the greatest upsets came on February 11, 1990, when Buster Douglas, a 42-1 underdog, knocked out the seemingly invincible Mike Tyson in the 10th round in Tokyo. Tyson, with a 37-0 record and 33 knockouts, was a dominant force, but Douglas’s resilience—overcoming personal tragedy and a knockdown—delivered a hellacious uppercut that ended Tyson’s reign. This monumental shock mirrors the potential for Dubois, who at 27-1, seeks to overturn his 2023 ninth-round loss to Usyk, where a controversial low blow call kept the Ukrainian’s titles intact.
Another shocker occurred on June 13, 1935, when James J. Braddock, dubbed “The Cinderella Man,” dethroned heavyweight champion Max Baer by unanimous decision. Braddock, a 10-1 underdog and considered washed-up, outboxed the overconfident Baer over 15 rounds, a feat that resonates with Dubois’ recent demolition of Anthony Joshua, signaling his growth since facing Usyk. This history suggests Dubois could channel Braddock’s grit to challenge the 38-year-old Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts.
The April 6, 1987, clash saw Sugar Ray Leonard, a 4-1 underdog after a five-year layoff, edge Marvelous Marvin Hagler in a split decision for the middleweight title. Leonard’s tactical brilliance against the decade-long dominant Hagler parallels Usyk’s technical mastery, but also hints that Dubois’ raw power—evident in his 96% KO ratio—could exploit any slip, much like Leonard did. Fans are already buzzing about a possible upset, given Dubois’ vow to “put Usyk to sleep.”
These upsets underscore boxing’s unpredictability, a theme central to the upcoming Usyk-Dubois rematch. Usyk’s 23-0 record and undisputed reign since beating Tyson Fury in 2024 make him the favorite, but Dubois’ improved form and the home advantage at Wembley could flip the script. The 2023 fight’s controversy—where Usyk recovered from a disputed low blow—adds intrigue, with Dubois claiming a stolen victory, fueling his determination.
As the July 19 bout nears, the ghosts of past upsets loom large. Will Dubois join the ranks of Douglas, Braddock, and Leonard, or will Usyk cement his legacy? The ring holds the answer, and fans won’t believe their eyes if history repeats itself.
