Oleksandr Usyk's battered face after going up against Tyson Fury compared to the lack of damage he appeared to sustain fighting Daniel Dubois showed the huge difference in how both opponents fared against the Ukrainian. Undefeated heavyweight champion Usyk takes on IBF belt holder Dubois for the second time on tonight (Saturday) at Wembley Stadium, London.
Usyk, 38, is aiming to become a three-time undisputed heavyweight champion while Dubois hopes to exact vengeance on the former cruiserweight king after his defeat back in August 2023. Their first encounter in Poland saw Usyk outbox Dubois but fall to the canvas in the fifth round after a body shot by the Brit, which was deemed a low blow. After controversially being given several minutes to recover, Usyk responded by securing a ninth-round knockout victory, seemingly coming away from the clash with minimal physical punishment.
The only visible damage the Ukrainian legend sustained was some minor grazes and bruises near his cheekbone, showcasing his dominance over 'Triple D'. In contrast, his face after his two bouts with Fury painted a different picture.
Usyk secured his second win over Fury in December, clinching victory by unanimous decision to defend his heavyweight titles as the three judges called it 116-112. Yet, the Saudi Arabia clash was closely contested, as shown by some heavy bruising under Usyk's eyes at his post-fight press conference.
Their first fight in May 2024 was arguably an even closer affair, with the 'Gypsy King' suffering the first defeat of his career by split decision. Fury even claimed Usyk had to be rushed to hospital afterwards with a suspected broken jaw, which Usyk denied.
After their clash, Usyk highlighted the challenge by admitting: "Yes, I have a little bit of a problem but I have problems with my fist, my back, my whole body because it's a hard fight, 47 minutes."

Dubois will want to impose himself more on his upcoming clash after struggling to put a dent in the 'The Cat'. But the British heavyweight has looked a different fighter since, enjoying a hot streak which included a vicious knockout win over Anthony Joshua.
On his undisputed showdown with Usyk, the 27-year-old has also revealed he has made a few changes and is hoping that they will make a positive difference come fight night. "A couple of things we have added," he said.
"On fight night, you will see it come to fruition. Right now, it is the hard work, the grind in the gym, the every day sort of work and just keeping on top of it is what I am doing right now.
"This time around, I am going to knock him out and I am going to win. That is going to be the main difference from that first fight to this fight."
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