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Usyk at career heaviest for title fight with Dubois / Photo: © AFP
Usyk at career heaviest for title fight with Dubois
Multiple world champion Oleksandr Usyk will head into his undisputed heavyweight title bout with Daniel Dubois in London on Saturday in arguably the strongest shape of his career.
Friday's weigh-in for the Wembley clash saw reigning WBA, WBO and WBC champion Usyk tip the scales at a career-heaviest weight of 16st 3lbs (102.97 kg), a pound more than the Ukrainian weighed for his second win over Tyson Fury in December.
IBF belt-holder Dubois, meanwhile, was more trim than for his victory over British rival Anthony Joshua after he came in 17st 6lbs (110.67 kg) in comparison to 17st 10lbs (112.49 kg) back in September.
Dubois was only 16st 9lbs for his 2023 defeat by Usyk, a ninth-round stoppage loss, in Poland.
He promised a largely pro-Usyk crowd on Friday he would win by any means necessary before one final stare-down, to a background of music from the film Rocky Balboa.
"I'm locked in, I'm focused and I can't wait," Dubois said.
"I am going to win by any means necessary."
Usyk said: "For me it is a great opportunity for my people and for my country."
Yet to lose in 23 professional fights, Usyk is hoping to become an undisputed champion for the third time.
Dubois has won his three fights since losing to Usyk, including a victory over Joshua and at 27 is 11 years younger than the 38-year-old Ukrainian.
But, on Thursday, Usyk dismissed suggestions his age would count against him at Wembley this weekend.
"Listen, I respect this guy (Dubois), this young guy. This guy is motivated but I am too. I am not an old guy. 38 is not old, you know? We will see on Saturday."
Lennox Lewis was the last Briton to hold undisputed status in the heavyweight division in 1999.
W. Winogradow--BTZ
