In a recent press conference at Wembley Stadium, heavyweight boxing trainer Don Charles voiced strong criticisms against Oleksandr Usyk, calling him a “conman” and alleging that he deceived the boxing community. This declaration comes in the wake of Usyk’s controversial ninth-round stoppage victory over Charles’ fighter, Daniel Dubois, in August 2023, a match marred by the contentious ruling of a low blow that felled Usyk earlier in the bout.
The scheduled rematch on July 19, 2025, is eagerly anticipated as it will be for all four major heavyweight titles. This showdown follows Usyk’s previous win, where he managed to cling to victory despite being knocked down by Dubois. During the press event, Usyk provocatively presented Dubois with images showcasing the moment he received the body punch, which the officials deemed illegal. In a seemingly playful yet disdainful manner, Usyk requested Dubois to sign the photographs.
A visibly frustrated Don Charles rebuffed Usyk’s antics, expressing disappointment and labeling the Ukrainian boxer’s behavior as unforgettable. He stated, “You should be given an Oscar for that performance. You conned the referee. You conned us. You conned the boxing world.” This comment underscored the intense emotions surrounding the previous encounter and highlighted how deeply the matter resonated with Dubois’ camp.
Usyk, never one to shy away from banter, responded with a smirk, suggesting that Dubois needed to improve his punching technique. In a dramatic turn, Usyk ended the press conference dismissively stating, “Thank you everyone. We’ll go to training camp. See you later,” as he abruptly departed amidst the ongoing conversations concerning the low blow incident. The tension escalated, particularly during the face-off segment, which ended with Dubois avoiding Usyk’s gaze, unlike their previous promotional encounter where Dubois pushed Usyk.
The press conference also featured the main promoters, Frank Warren and Alex Krassyuk, who took their places at the forefront for approximately thirty minutes, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the fighters. Daniel Dubois entered the scene in a relaxed tracksuit, acknowledging the media and the promoters with a friendly gesture, in stark contrast to Usyk, who greeted the room with high spirits and even sang along to a Ukrainian tune.
The conversation quickly turned towards the contentious low blow incident. Promoter Frank Warren, eager to clarify the details, asserted, “As I sit here now, all day long that was an illegal blow. It’s not about the belt line; it’s about where the navel is.” Meanwhile, an exasperated Usyk clasped rosary beads and recited prayers silently while appearing visibly bored by the ongoing discussion.
Tension escalated as Usyk engaged in a verbal exchange with Charles’ son, George Fox, wherein he jokingly suggested a “street fight” to settle tensions between their camps. Fox pointedly suggested that Usyk, being a decorated athlete and a national hero, seemed rattled by the impending rematch.
As the rematch approaches, the stakes could not be higher. Usyk, who became the first four-belt heavyweight champion after defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024, boasts an impressive record of 23 wins without a loss. His accolades include an Olympic gold medal and the title of undisputed cruiserweight champion, solidifying his status as one of boxing’s elite athletes.
On the flip side, Dubois has gained momentum, recently achieving notable victories against well-known opponents such as Jarrel Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. As he prepares for the showdown, Dubois exuded confidence, proclaiming, “I’m on fire now. I’m just pent up and ready to go. It’s going to be a bloodbath. I’m going to put all the controversy and all that nonsense to rest. I’m a man of the future.” His declaration suggests a readiness to confront Usyk with no hesitation, signaling that he expects to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight division.
With tensions high and rivalries simmering, boxing enthusiasts eagerly await the rematch on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, a venue set to witness another historic chapter in heavyweight boxing.