On July 19, Daniel Dubois will step back into the ring with Oleksandr Usyk, under the arch of Wembley Stadium, with everything on the line
The fight is more than just a rematch. It’s a battle for the undisputed heavyweight crown, with all four belts—WBA, WBO, IBF and WBC—up for grabs. And while Usyk is widely considered the pound-for-pound king, the pressure sits squarely on the shoulders of the underdog from Greenwich.
For Dubois, this is a shot at redemption and relevance. He’s rebuilt impressively since their first controversial meeting in Poland. He’s knocked out Filip Hrgovic, stunned Anthony Joshua, and captured the IBF world title.
The Brit is still seen as the underdog in the Usyk vs Dubois odds, and it’s hard to disagree. This is Usyk, at the peak of his powers, on a global stage, with history at stake. Still, if Dubois wins, he becomes the new face of British boxing’s blue-riband division.
But the pressure on Dubois is immense. He’s carrying the hopes of a nation that desperately needs a new heavyweight hero.
The Joshua era, which captivated British boxing for nearly a decade, appears to be over after his devastating fifth-round knockout loss to Dubois last September. At 35, with four defeats on his record, AJ’s championship days seem behind him. British boxing needs fresh blood, new energy, and a fighter who can capture the public imagination.
If the moment proves too big for Dubois—if Usyk’s masterful ring craft once again proves too much—who else could step into the void? There are several candidates capable of stepping into a flag-bearing role.
At 29, Fabio Wardley represents everything fans love about heavyweight boxing. The current British and Commonwealth champion brings old-school excitement to every fight, with a fan-friendly style that guarantees fireworks.
Wardley’s journey from white-collar boxing to championship level has been remarkable. His crowd-pleasing approach and genuine knockout power—demonstrated in victories over Derek Chisora and Frazer Clarke—have built him a devoted following that rivals any heavyweight in Britain.
What makes Wardley particularly appealing is his blue-collar authenticity. While other fighters talk about being hungry, Wardley genuinely fought his way up from nothing. His willingness to take risks and engage in wars makes him must-watch television, exactly what British boxing needs in a post-Joshua landscape.
Alternatively, if British boxing wants a heavyweight with proven championship credentials, look no further than Frazer Clarke. The 33-year-old brings Olympic bronze medal pedigree and a technical foundation that few domestic heavyweights can match.
Clarke’s amateur achievements speak volumes about his quality. His bronze medal performance in Tokyo showcased the kind of elite-level boxing that translates well to professional success.
While his pro career started slowly, he’s beginning to find his rhythm and showcase the skills that made him a standout amateur. At 33, Clarke knows time isn’t on his side, which could drive the urgency needed to fast-track him to major opportunities and stun the boxing odds.
Though perhaps the most underrated heavyweight in Britain, Solomon Dacres possesses all the tools necessary for championship success. The 29-year-old combines solid amateur foundations with professional development. Both he and Moses Itauma have flown under the radar and have really exciting futures.
Itauma only turned 20 at the end of December but the young heavyweight has already forced his way into fringe world level, blasting through normally durable opponents Mariusz Wach and Demsey McKean in his two most recent bouts.
“His last fight was a phenomenal performance,” Warren told Sky Sports. “He was briefly in the ring but it’s not just the knockout, it’s how you do it.”
British heavyweight boxing stands at a crossroads. While all eyes are on Dubois to deliver at Wembley, the depth of talent behind him suggests the future remains bright regardless of July 19’s outcome.
Each of these fighters brings something different to the table but the elephant in the room is charisma. Joshua wasn’t just a champion—he was a crossover star who could sell fights to casual fans and command mainstream attention.
Looking at this list, only Wardley possesses that natural magnetism and fan connection that transcends pure boxing ability. The others, despite their quality, lack that special something that fills arenas and captures headlines. The brutal truth is that heavyweight boxing needs personalities as much as punchers—and right now, British boxing might be lacking that essential star power. But ultimately, it’s the business in the ring that matters most.