The boxing world was rocked to its core just three minutes ago, at approximately 2:13 PM +07 on Thursday, July 17, 2025, when Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, delivered a bombshell announcement: he is withdrawing from his highly anticipated rematch with Daniel Dubois, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Wembley Stadium. The Ukrainian fighter’s revelation, made during a sudden press conference streamed live from his training camp, cited a reason so startling that it has left fans across the globe in disbelief, with social media platforms buzzing with the stunned reaction, “What on earth is happening in boxing?” The abrupt decision has cast a shadow over what was poised to be a historic night, leaving the sport reeling and the 90,000 ticket holders in limbo.
Usyk, with an impeccable 23-0 record and 14 knockouts, stunned reporters by explaining that his withdrawal stems from a personal health concern he described as “a matter of the heart,” though he refused to elaborate further, promising a detailed statement later. The 38-year-old, who has reigned supreme since defeating Dubois in a controversial 2023 bout and later Tyson Fury twice, appeared visibly emotional, his voice trembling as he expressed gratitude to his supporters but insisted the decision was unavoidable. The ambiguity of his statement—neither confirming a physical ailment nor a mental health issue—has fueled wild speculation, with fans and analysts scrambling to decipher the truth behind his cryptic words.
The reaction was instantaneous. Within moments, X was flooded with posts reflecting shock and confusion, ranging from “Usyk pulling out days before? This is insane!” to “Heart issue? Is he okay?” The timing, just 48 hours before the fight, has amplified the chaos, especially as Wembley Stadium had sold out with over 90,000 fans eager to witness Usyk defend his WBA (Super), WBC, and WBO titles against Dubois’ IBF belt. Dubois, the 27-year-old British contender with a 22-2 record and 21 knockouts, was left speechless at his own press event, his team quickly exiting to assess the situation. The sudden void has raised questions about the event’s future, with promoter Frank Warren yet to issue an official response.
This isn’t the first time a high-profile fight has faced disruption—Dubois himself withdrew from a 2025 bout with Joseph Parker due to illness—but Usyk’s stature and the stakes of an undisputed title clash make this withdrawal particularly jarring. The rematch was billed as a chance for Dubois to avenge his 2023 loss, where a disputed low blow call turned the tide, and for Usyk to solidify his legacy. Now, the cancellation threatens to unravel months of buildup, including open workouts and face-offs that had heightened anticipation. The undercard, featuring Lawrence Okolie vs. Kevin Lerena and Daniel Lapin vs. Lewis Edmondson, hangs in the balance, with no immediate clarity on whether it will proceed.
Fans are grappling with a mix of concern and frustration. Usyk’s hint at a “heart matter” has sparked worry for his well-being, given his grueling career and recent wars with Fury, while others suspect external pressures—perhaps related to his native Ukraine’s ongoing conflict—might be at play. The lack of detail has only deepened the mystery, with some theorizing a strategic move to negotiate better terms, though this seems unlikely given Usyk’s reputation for integrity. Boxing’s history of last-minute withdrawals, like Fury’s 2021 pullout from a Wilder fight, adds context, but Usyk’s case feels uniquely unsettling due to its proximity to the event.
The sporting media, from ESPN to Boxing News 24, is scrambling to cover the fallout, with live updates pouring in. Dubois’ camp has remained tight-lipped, but his recent confidence—“I’m a man of the future,” he declared—now contrasts sharply with the uncertainty. Usyk’s promise of a later statement offers a glimmer of hope for clarification, but for now, the boxing community is left questioning the sport’s stability. Ticket refunds and rescheduling talks are already trending, with DAZN, the broadcaster, facing pressure to address subscribers. As the clock ticks toward Saturday, the only certainty is that Usyk’s shocking exit has left an indelible mark, leaving fans to wonder what bizarre twist will define boxing next.