Boxing
live
Updated 10s ago
Nearly two years after their first bout, Oleksandr Usyk will fight Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium for the undisputed heavyweight crown.
Usyk won the first iteration of this fight in August 2023, but that was steeped in controversy. Neither fighter has lost since that bout, setting the stage for an engaging heavyweight title fight.
Here are today's results so far:
Notable information:
HERE WE GO!
Usyk vs Dubois 2 is underway at Wembley…
Advertisement
The only British flag I've seen tonight is now inside the ring, having been carried there by one of Dubois' entourage on his ringwalk. Those were some ringwalks by the way. Fire dancers, fireworks – bravo Queensberry, that had the lot. And now, let's get ready to ruuuuumble!
Now it's Oleksandr Usyk turn. Immediately he is met with loud chants of "US-YK, US-YK," accompanied by ominous music. There's also a massive contingent at Wembley here to support him.
What's going through Daniel Dubois' mind as he waits for his opponent?
Electric entrance for Daniel Dubois. Quality tunes, fireworks above Wembley and a big pop from the crowd.
He's looking to make a statement in his hometown with the world watching.
Before both fighters' ring walks, the Ukranian and British national anthem are performed.
Based on the amount of singing heard during the Ukranian rendition, Usyk will be supported well tonight.
It might be a bit of home cooking (pun intended) but Gordon Ramsay is picking his countryman Daniel Dubois to defeat Oleksandr Usyk tonight at Wembley.
Watch his explanation below.
Advertisement
There can't be many atmospheres like this. Near 90,000 people busting out Sweet Caroline and hyping themselves up for a huge heavyweight fight. It's pretty special, Wembley.
Daniel Dubois is getting loose backstage.
Is this his moment? Are we looking at the next heavyweight champion of the world?
A unanimous victory for Okolie who continues his campaign at heavyweight, but that performance won't have improved his viewer ratings by much. Lerena played his part in a pretty pedestrian showing too, mind. Anyway, main event is next, the tunes are pumping out here and the drinks are very much flowing.
One aspect that might have been overlooked in recent days is the weight difference between these two fighters.
Oleksandr Usyk is fighting at the heaviest weight of his career and Daniel Dubois is up 10 pounds from his weight when these two first squared off in 2023.
Both fighters have a 78″ reach with Usyk standing at 6' 3" and Dubois at 6' 5".
A better round for Lerena who lands a couple of strong left hands on Okolie, who takes them well. This was originally scheduled to be a 12 round fight but has been reduced to 10, perhaps with the Wembley curfew in mind. I don't think anyone here will be complaining.
Advertisement
Lerena is making life pretty simple for Okolie, standing in front of him with little head movement and allowing the Brit to control the pace and distance of this fight for all eight rounds so far.
Okolie weighed in a career-heaviest 262.4lbs for this and it looks like it. His breathing looks heavy and his feet slow. But Lerena isn't really doing enough to take rounds away from the Brit, and Okolie landed some decent right hands in round 6.
Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois shared a moment after their last fight with Usyk giving his opponent advice and praising his potential.
Since this moment neither man has lost a fight, setting the stage for what should be a fantastic fight under the bright lights at Wembley.
I've been joined by an Italian journalist who after sitting through four rounds has decided the fight is "too basic" and has gone to get a drink. Hard to disagree at the moment. As the penultimate fight of the night this one is disappointing so far.
Scrappy stuff so far from Lerena and Okolie and the crowd aren't loving it…
Three rounds are in the books.
But a glimpse of Dubois on the big screens lifts them for a moment, before the fourth round begins
Advertisement
When asked about the age gap between he and his opponent, Oleksandr Usyk feels this narrative is overblown but still showed respect Daniel Dubois.
"Listen, I respect this guy. This young guy. This guy is motivated but I am too," Usyk said. "I not an old guy. 38 isn't old. It's not old. We will see it Saturday."
Both fighters are in the building as the main event rapidly approaches.
No accessories and no jewelry for Daniel Dubois, simply business.
Wembley is warmed up now. The rain has stopped and it's a balmy evening in north west London. Can Lawrence Okolie keep the temperature high though in his fight against Kevin Lerena? It's coming next.
