Recently, boxing icon Canelo Alvarez made a surprising financial statement ahead of the highly anticipated heavyweight showdown between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. The Mexican superstar has placed a substantial $500,000 wager on the Ukrainian champion to emerge victorious when the two heavyweights clash on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
In a social media post, Alvarez explained his reasoning behind the massive bet: “Over the past five years, Usyk has beaten the best. Oleksandr has very strong stamina; he’s very technical and smart. When I see someone with that kind of focus, I back them. That’s why I placed a big bet on his victory. Oleksandr, you do you!”
The half-million-dollar wager reflects Alvarez’s deep respect for Usyk’s abilities and track record. The Ukrainian southpaw has built an impressive resume, maintaining a perfect 23-0 record with 14 knockouts. His recent victories over Tyson Fury have only solidified his position as one of the sport’s most formidable champions.
This upcoming bout represents a rematch of their 2023 encounter, where Usyk secured a ninth-round stoppage victory over Dubois. However, that contest wasn’t without controversy.
During the original match, Dubois landed what he believed was a legitimate body shot that sent Usyk to the canvas, but the referee ruled it a low blow. The British heavyweight has maintained his position that the punch was legal.
Since their first encounter, both men have remained active and successful. Usyk has defeated Fury twice, further cementing his heavyweight dominance. Meanwhile, Dubois has been on a successful path, scoring knockout victories over notable opponents including Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgović, and Anthony Joshua.
The 27-year-old Dubois enters the rematch with a 22-2 record and an impressive 21 knockouts to his name. Nearly a decade younger than his opponent, the British powerhouse possesses the youth and power that could potentially trouble the technically superior Usyk. For Usyk, this rematch presents an opportunity to silence any lingering doubts about their first encounter.
Canelo’s public endorsement and substantial financial backing of Usyk speaks volumes about the respect the Ukrainian has earned among elite boxers.
Additionally, Alvarez himself has his own major bout on the horizon. The undisputed super middleweight champion is scheduled to face Terence Crawford on September 13 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. This is a contest being promoted as a potential classic between two of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.
