Queensberry Going Back to Wembley

Queensberry Promotions is heading back to Wembley Stadium, and it’s not just any return. This one brings back the memory of one of the most talked-about heavyweight title fights in recent years: Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois.

It’s a venue etched in boxing history, but Queensberry’s latest announcements signal more than nostalgia. The promotion is doubling down on Wembley, having booked multiple cards and aiming to turn the venue into a recurring battleground for British fighters on the rise - and redemption arcs still in motion.

Usyk vs Dubois: The Controversial First Fight

The first bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois took place in August 2023 in Wroclaw, Poland. Usyk retained his unified WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles via a ninth-round stoppage, but the fight was far from straightforward.

The major talking point? A fifth-round body shot from Dubois that dropped Usyk - and was ruled a low blow.

The Low Blow That Split Opinions

In the fifth round, Dubois landed a right hand to Usyk’s midsection that sent the champion crumpling to the canvas. Referee Luis Pabon quickly deemed it a low blow, giving Usyk several minutes to recover.

The ruling instantly divided fans and pundits. Some argued the punch was borderline but legal, landing on the belt line. Others stood by the officials ruling, pointing to Usyk’s waistband being high.

Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, launched a formal appeal to the WBA, seeking to have the result overturned to a no-contest. The appeal was denied, but the controversy stuck. It became the defining narrative of the fight, overshadowing what was otherwise a courageous showing by Dubois.

Why the Controversy Matters

The controversy wasn’t just about the rules; it was about the implications. Had the punch been ruled legal, Dubois would have scored a knockdown against the undefeated Usyk. Usyk would then have seconds to recover against the biggest punchers in heavyweight division, instead of minutes.

Instead, the fight resumed with Usyk regaining control and stopping Dubois in the ninth round. The unfair loss sent Dubois back to the drawing board, and was the start of one of the greatest rebuilds seen in modern boxing.

Dubois’ Road Back to Wembley

Since the loss, Dubois has bounced back in emphatic style. In September 2024, he stunned Anthony Joshua in Wembley Stadium, stopping him in the mid-rounds and claiming the IBF world heavyweight title.

That win restored his status and opened the door to a rematch with Usyk, who had gone on to defeat Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Now, with Usyk vs Dubois II approaching, Wembley is a fitting venue for a fight that could settle unfinished business on home soil.

A Strategic Move by Queensberry

Queensberry’s renewed focus on Wembley isn’t just sentimental. It’s strategic. In turning Wembley into a home base, the promotion is signalling confidence in its current roster and banking on consistent domestic support.

Wembley has proven it can host blockbuster nights, from Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno to Fury and Joshua's title reigns. But Queensberry now seems determined to make it the regular home for their biggest names and future stars.

With DAZN broadcasting all of Queensberry’s events, the aim is clear: turn every card into a showcase, both for the UK audience and global subscribers.

A Year of Big Fights

Queensberry’s 2025 calendar is packed, with events across Manchester, Bournemouth, and now Wembley forming the backbone of its schedule. From European title bouts to undisputed championships, the promotion is making good on its promise to build depth beyond just the top end of the card.

But Wembley remains the crown jewel. Whether it’s for redemption or coronation, the venue is once again centre stage - and Dubois vs Usyk might be the fight that defines it.

Want to catch every Queensberry fight? You’ll need DAZN. It’s the only place streaming all the action live and on demand, from headline clashes to rising prospects.

Fight Details

🗓️ Date: Saturday, 19 July 2025
📍 Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
🎟️ Book your tickets here