LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT Daniel Lapin is a close training partner of unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk.
Daniel has been busy getting “The Cat” in shape to face another Daniel — “Dynamite” Dubois, with all the belts on the line.
Instagram @daniel.lapinDaniel Lapin is Oleksandr Usyk’s training partner[/caption]
Instagram @daniel.lapinLapin takes on Lewis Edmondson on the undercard of Usyk’s fight with Dubois[/caption]
DAZNUsyk vs Dubois 2 takes place on July 19[/caption]
Who is Daniel Lapin?
Often described as Oleksandr Usyk’s protege, Daniel Lapin is considered one of Ukraine’s next potential boxing superstars.
He stands at 6ft 6in tall and fights as a southpaw.
Aiming to follow in the footsteps of his mentor and other great Ukrainian champions including the Klitschko brothers and Vasily Lomachenko, Lapin has trained extensively alongside Usyk.
Their partnership is more than just professional — Lapin credits Usyk’s positivity and encouragement as a driving force in his own development as a pugilist.
Lapin told ESPN: “Honestly, it really fires me up, especially when you’re on your very last set, it’s hard, and then you look over and see him smiling, and you start smiling too…
“But I also fire him up when I do the same. A smile, basically [the feeling of] joy, extends life.
“If you’re always gloomy and sad and thinking how hard it is, how much it hurts, there won’t be any results.”
Lapin enjoys camp life with Usyk, with the two fighters forming a strong bond inside and outside of the ring.
Usyk vs Dubois 2 – All the info
OLEKSANDR USYK and Daniel Dubois meet again in a blockbuster heavyweight unification fight at Wembley Stadium THIS SATURDAY!
Usyk won the first fight in August 2023 via a ninth round KO – but only after Dubois knocked him to the canvas with a body blow that was ruled a low blow.
Dubois, 27, has improved massively since that first meeting, reeling off stunning wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.
Watch Usyk vs Dubois 2 LIVE on DAZN
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big fight…
INFO
All the info for Usyk vs Dubois 2
Latest ticket availability and price
How much are Usyk and Dubois earning for the rematch?
Get either fighter at 50/1 to win with talkSPORT BET
LATEST NEWS, EXCLUSIVES & FEATURES
Dubois must be a ‘crazy DEMON’ to beat Usyk, says Chisora
How moving gyms sparked incredible change in Dubois
Inside Dubois’ camp – fuelled by Ascot wins and ancient Greece
Amateur coach: Dubois so powerful as a teenager I had to tell him to go easy on the adults
Dubois SCREAMS in Usyk’s face in bizarre face-off
Usyk warns Dubois his IQ is too much for the Brit
Boxing record
As of July 14, 2025, Lapin holds a professional record of 11 wins, 0 losses and 0 draws, with 4 victories coming by way of knockout.
He is set to face another unbeaten fighter, Lewis Edmondson (11-0, 3 KOs), on the undercard of Usyk’s fight against Daniel Dubois.
His undefeated record and growing reputation have positioned him as a serious contender in the light-heavyweight division.
Despite training under the wing of an all-time great, Lapin is determined to carve out his own legacy in the sport.
He opened up about how the pressure of following in the footsteps of Ukrainian boxing legends is a source of motivation, rather than a burden.
He said: “No, for me it’s pure motivation. Of course, it only motivates me.
“It’ll be a great honour for me if my name becomes part of Ukrainian boxing history as well as world boxing history.
I’ll be very proud and happy because I’m doing a lot of hard work in the gym, and I hope it bears fruit.”
When is Okolie vs Lapin and how can I watch it
Lawrence Okolie and Daniel Lapin meet on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2.
The event takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, July 19.
Coverage will begin at 5.30pm BST.
Ring walks for Okolie vs Lapin are expected at 8.45pm BST.
Ring walks for the main evented are expected at 9.45pm BST.
The whole card is available on DAZN PPV and costs £24.95.
It can be watched on DAZN TV or live streamed via the website/app.
Alternatively, SunSport will live blog the whole event.
Usyk vs Dubois 2
In August 2023, Dubois believed he was well on his way to winning the first showdown between the two heavyweights — dropping Usyk with a brutal and legal-looking body shot in the fifth round.
But referee Luis Pablon disagreed, deeming the punch a low blow and giving Usyk more than the allotted five minutes to recover.
IBF king Dubois said: “This is the fight I wanted and demanded and now I get my chance for revenge.
“I should have won the first fight and was denied by the judgement of the referee, so I will make no mistake this time around in front of my people at the national stadium in my home city.
“I am a superior and more dangerous fighter now and Usyk will find this out for himself.”
While Unified champ Usyk said: “I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship.
“Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt — now I want it back.”
Richard Pelham / The SunUsyk was knocked to the canvas after a controversial low blow[/caption]
Richard Pelham / The SunBut after a lengthy recovery period, Usyk went on to win the fight convincingly[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
