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Boxing7/16/2025

Usyk vs. Dubois 2: How Styles Could Decide the Rematch at Wembley

Usyk vs. Dubois 2: How Styles Could Decide the Rematch at Wembley

Usyk vs Dubois 2: Styles could ultimately decide the rematch as the southpaw and orthodox fighters prepare for a high-stakes showdown at Wembley.

Their previous encounter revealed key stylistic battles, and as they prepare to run it back for the undisputed heavyweight title, understanding these nuances is crucial to predicting how the bout could unfold.

The Battle of the Lead Hand


In traditional boxing stances, an orthodox fighter (right-handed) leads with their left hand, while a southpaw (left-handed) leads with their right. This creates a natural clash where both fighters’ lead hands are directly in opposition , a constant struggle for control.

Winning the lead hand battle allows a fighter to keep their jab effective and unimpeded. It gives them a clear path to score points and initiate combinations while disrupting their opponent’s rhythm. In their first meeting, Usyk dominated this exchange, regularly landing his jab over, under, and inside Dubois’ lead, a display of total control.

For Dubois to turn the tide, he must establish lead-hand superiority early and consistently, using his jab to dictate distance and tempo.

Usyk vs. Dubois 2: How Styles Could Decide the Rematch at Wembley


Footwork: Position Equals Power



When opposite stances collide, foot placement becomes critical. The lead foot of each fighter is aligned on the same side, creating a race to the outside angle. Whoever wins this battle gains access to cleaner punching lanes and better defensive positioning.

Usyk, a master of positioning, consistently beat Dubois to the outside in their first fight, setting up sharp left hands and evading danger. Dubois, by contrast, failed to assert himself with his feet, often stepping into range without establishing control leaving himself vulnerable

In the rematch, Dubois must prioritize winning the foot race. Securing the outside angle will open up Usyk’s body, a known vulnerability, and allow Dubois to unleash his powerful right hand down the middle.

Usyk vs. Dubois 2: How Styles Could Decide the Rematch at Wembley


Movement: Rhythm and Reactions


Movement, both of the head and body is the final piece of this stylistic chess match. Orthodox fighters are typically trained to circle left, away from an opponent’s rear hand. Against a southpaw like Usyk, however, this instinct becomes a liability.

To neutralize Usyk’s dominant left, Dubois must retrain his habits and circle right, minimizing angles and creating distance from the power shots. In the first fight, Usyk’s superior lateral movement left Dubois off-balance and out of position, allowing the Ukrainian to create and exploit openings at will.

Unless Dubois adapts, he risks repeating the same costly mistakes.

Usyk vs. Dubois 2: How Styles Could Decide the Rematch at Wembley


What to Expect in the Rematch


Dubois enters this fight with experience against Usyk and that alone is an advantage. But it’s only his third bout against a southpaw, and in their first clash, he made nearly every technical error possible in such a matchup.

He allowed Usyk to dominate the jab, failed to contest foot positioning, and presented a stationary target for one of boxing’s most elusive movers. If Dubois wants to have any success, he must overhaul his approach especially early by imposing his jab, targeting the body, and controlling the distance with smarter footwork.

For Usyk, the formula doesn’t change much. His performance in the first fight was a near-masterclass, interrupted only by a controversial low blow. He’ll expect a more aggressive Dubois in the rematch but will welcome reckless advances, knowing he can pivot off-line and counter with precision.


Usyk vs. Dubois 2: How Styles Could Decide the Rematch at Wembley


The verdict


Usyk is arguably one of the greatest southpaw technicians in heavyweight history. Unless Dubois can make significant strategic adjustments particularly with his lead hand and footwork. It’s hard to envision a different outcome than their first meeting.

But boxing thrives on the unexpected. With power on his side and lessons learned, Dubois will look to disrupt the rhythm and land the one shot that could change everything.

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