Usyk vs Dubois – ESPN+, TNT Sports PPV – Aug. 26 – 5 pm ET

Boxing Tonight: The  Unified Heavyweight Title showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will be aired LIVE on ESPN+ streaming straight from Wroclaw, Poland, beginning at 5 p.m. ET as a special one-fight broadcast

Oleksandr Usyk is gearing up to protect his WBA/WBO/IBF world titles against WBA mandatory contender Daniel Dubois.

The showdown is slated for Saturday, August 26, under the bright lights of Tarczyński Arena Wrocław in Wrocław, Poland and wil be braodcast live on ESPN+.

Live Undercard:

Usyk Dubois Start Times Tonight

Main Card live on ESPN+

• Eastern Time (ET): 5 p.m.
• Pacific Time (PT): 2 pm
• British Summer Time (BST): 6 p.m.
• Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 4 a.m. (next day)

Main Event Estimated Start Time:

• Depending on how long the undercard fights last

For Usyk, this isn’t just another fight. The experienced 36-year-old southpaw views this matchup as a stepping stone towards his goal of becoming an undisputed champion in two weight classes. The fact that this event is set to happen during the Ukrainian Independence Day weekend only amplifies its magnitude.

Usyk’s rise from cruiserweight to heavyweight is a testament to his exceptional talent and grit. This two-time Olympian and 2012 gold medalist boasts an unblemished professional record of 20 wins, 13 of which were knockouts. Ever since turning pro in 2013, Usyk has made his mark in the boxing world, snagging the WBO cruiserweight world title as early as 2016.

Usyk didn’t stop there. In 2018, he cemented his dominance by becoming the undisputed cruiserweight champion, first clinching the WBC title against Mairis Breidis, and subsequently securing the WBA and IBF belts against Murat Gassiev. He defended his titles triumphantly with a decisive TKO victory over Tony Bellew before stepping into the heavyweight scene. His victories over heavy hitters like Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua propelled him to the status of unified heavyweight champion.

Facing Usyk in the ring is London’s own, Daniel Dubois. Despite his tender age of 25, Dubois is a heavyweight boxing force to be reckoned with. He stormed into his professional career in April 2017 with a resounding win over Marcus Kelly, remaining unbeaten for his first three years.

Dubois suffered his first career defeat against Joe Joyce in November 2020. However, he bounced back from this setback with four consecutive wins. His latest triumph over the previously undefeated American contender, Trevor Bryan, was nothing short of spectacular. Dubois enters this bout riding high on the wave of a third-round TKO victory against Kevin Lerena last December.

Daniel Dubois Interview

Speaking to IFL TV, Dubois said: “Unified world heavyweight champion in 48 hours…Daniel Dubois, that’s the plan. That’s what we’re here for, here to do the job and take them belts away, rip them belts off of Usyk and make that happen.”

Daniel Dubois makes his intentions clear. He’s here for victory, and he’s not afraid to say it. But does his opponent, Alexander Usyk, feel threatened? Dubois wasn’t giving anything away.

Dubois didn’t seem too concerned about his face-off with Usyk.

“What did you see in him? Not really nothing, uh, I see a guy I gotta go through, um, but you know, just a target. That’s my target right there.”

But what exactly is Dubois’ game plan? A knockout? Dubois’ thoughts are deeper than just looking for the lucky shot.

“I thought about not just one punch. People don’t give me enough credit. They just say, ‘Oh, he’s got a puncher’s chance,’ but I’m going to show them all that I can box as well.”

With 43,000 Ukrainians expected on Saturday, how does Dubois feel about facing such a crowd?

“No chance. I’m going to be tunnel vision, active. Sure there’ll be a few Brits coming over, and you’ve got some support here as well with your team. We’ve got a small army, yeah, it’s good.”

Is the support of prominent figures like David Haye adding to his confidence? Dubois seems unfazed, ready for anything.

Investing in body blows, tying out Alexander, showing his dynamite punch — Dubois is preparing for everything. His final message to Alexander?

“No message for him. It’s on. Let’s go to the UK fans. Tune in and watch, Daniel Dubois. Thank you very much.”

Speaking to  IFL TV, Don Charles, Dubois’s current trainer, opened up about his expectations and plans for the upcoming heavyweight title fight. “We’ve been working with Daniel Dubois for ten weeks now, and we still have another seven weeks of hard work ahead,” Charles explained.

When asked about his unexpected partnership with Dubois, Charles said, “It certainly came as a surprise because I wasn’t expecting it. A fighter of Daniel’s caliber, it just came out of the blue and I received it with open arms. Why not?” Charles has worked with several heavyweights before and has always been impressed by Dubois’ physicality and athleticism.

“Daniel is a student of the sport, he knows the boxing history, listens, learns, and wants to learn. That’s a massive asset for any fighter,” Charles quoted.

While Dubois’s brute force and power are well recognized in boxing circles, Charles argues that the fighter has more up his sleeve. “He has an incredible understanding of what he’s doing. His fundamentals are all there – his footwork, everything. Normally, I would have to do a total rebuild, but with him, the foundation is already there.”

“All I’ve had to do is recognize that the foundations are there. I’m merely putting bricks that fit that foundation. So the progression has been quite rapid.”

Charles was tight-lipped about their specific strategy for the upcoming fight. “There’s a procedure to ‘putting it on him’ (Usyk),” he hinted, emphasizing the technicality of their approach. “If the game plan comes off on the night and he executes everything he listens to in the corner, I believe without a shadow of a doubt that Daniel Dubois can knock out Alexander Usyk. That’s the aim, and that’s what’s going to happen.”

There has been some concern among fans regarding Dubois’s switch to a new trainer just before such a crucial fight. Addressing those concerns, Charles said, “Have faith. The knowledge and experience that I bring to the table, fused with what Daniel already brings, is a winning combination.”

Despite his knowledge and experience, Charles acknowledges that his opponent is not to be underestimated. “Alexander Usyk is a masterful, majestic boxer. We recognize what he does. He’s one of the best. But we’re very confident.”

As the clock ticks closer to the fight, Charles assures fans, “We are going to be victorious on the 26th. It’s written.”

Usyk vs Dubois UK TV Info, PPV Price & Start Times

Title on the Line: Usyk, the undefeated unified heavyweight champion, will put his WBC, IBF, and WBA titles on the line against the British contender Dubois. This clash falls on Ukrainian Independence Day weekend, adding more drama to the bout.

The Fighters: Usyk (20-0) has a dazzling career that includes an Olympic gold medal and undisputed cruiserweight champion status. Dubois (19-1) packs a punch with 18 knockout wins. He’s hungry for a full world title after holding the WBA (Regular) belt.

Pricing and Platforms: The fight will be available to purchase for £19.95 in the UK, with varying pricing in Ireland. Viewers can watch through BT, Virgin Media TV, Sky, or online through TNT Sports Box Office App or website.

Ordering Details:

• Virgin Media TV customers: Go to the On-Demand section and choose Live Events, or go to the Pay Per View Events rail depending on your set-top box.
• BT TV customers: Go to channel 494 and pay using the remote control.
• Online: Visit www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice. Options for watching on the big screen include Google Chromecast and Apple Airplay.
• Mobile Bill Options: EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 customers can add the payment to their mobile bill.
• Sky customers: Purchase on channel 490 via remote control or online.
• Republic of Ireland: Purchase via Sky at specified rates.

Undercard Action: The undercard will go live from 6 pm UK time, available through TNT Sports Box Office.

Usyk Dubois News

• Don Charles: "Dubois Beats Usyk Because He's Chosen By God & He’s Possessed!" - Boxing News
• Mark Tibbs analyses Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois - Boxing News
• Usyk vs Dubois LIVE on ESPN+ on Aug. 26 in Poland at 5 pm ET - Boxing News
• Usyk vs Dubois Undercard Update - Boxing News
• Daniel Dubois Previews Usyk Fight In Poland - Boxing News

• Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois: Former world champion explains ... - dazn.com
• Teddy Atlas Criticizes ESPN Commentary Team For Usyk vs. Dubois Low Blow Call - Sports Illustrated
• Joe Cortez says Daniel Dubois’ shot on Oleksandr Usyk looked legal - Bad Left Hook
• How Oleksandr Usyk dominated Daniel Dubois: Boxing Breakdown - Bloody Elbow
• Oleksandr Usyk jokingly proposes immediate bare-knuckle rematch with Daniel Dubois following controversial... - talkSPORT

Usyk vs Dubois fight card

• Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois, 12 rounds, heavyweight – Usyk’s WBA, WBO, IBF heavyweight titles
• Denys Berinchyk vs. Anthony Yigit, 12 rounds, lightweight
• Dmytro Mytrofanov vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, 12 rounds, middleweight
• Daniel Lapin vs. Aro Schwartz, 10 rounds, light heavyweight
• Fiodor Czerkaszyn vs. Anauel Ngamissengue, 8 rounds, middleweight
• Rafal Wolczecki vs. Roberto Arriaza, 8 rounds, middleweight
• Vasile Cebotari vs. Joel Julio, 8 rounds, welterweight
• Nursultan Amanzholov vs. Lazizbek Mullojonov, 6 rounds, heavyweight
• Oleksandr Solomennikov vs. Piotr Gudel, 6 rounds, featherweight
• Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Janos Penzes, 4 rounds, super lightweight
• Bryce Mills vs. Damian Tymosz, 4 rounds, super lightweight