Rising British heavyweight star Daniel Dubois has made a bold prediction ahead of this Saturday’s seismic rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 27-year-old IBF champion, who is in the desert capital for the titanic tussle, believes the Ukrainian will once again emerge victorious over his compatriot.
“Something in my heart tells me Usyk will pull it off again,” Dubois confessed mere hours after touching down. “As a fellow Brit I want Tyson to win, because of everything he has done in the game. You have to respect that. But something is telling me that Usyk is going to do it again.”
Dubois speaks from experience, having faced the formidable Usyk in the ring himself in August 2023. Despite a valiant effort, the young Londoner was stopped in nine bruising rounds. However, he did manage to visibly hurt the master boxer in the fifth, flooring him with a punch that was controversially ruled a low blow.
Usyk just has luck on his side and he has skills. He has the backing of his people and is fighting for his country.
β Daniel Dubois on why he favors Oleksandr Usyk
Usyk’s Incredible Resolve
That night in Poland, Usyk showcased the incredible determination that has defined his career. Badly shaken by Dubois’ power, he drew upon his vast reserves of experience and willpower to weather the storm. After being given time to recover, the Ukrainian wizard regrouped and skillfully dissected his younger foe, battering him into submission by the ninth round.
It was a performance that epitomized the 36-year-old’s indomitable spirit, forged in the fires of war engulfing his homeland. Usyk’s devotion to the cause is well-documented, with the fighter having enlisted in the Kyiv Territorial Defense at the onset of Russia’s invasion.
π₯ πππ ππππ ππΌπ πΎπππ. #UsykFury2
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 23, 2024
πΊπ¦ Usyk vs Fury π¬π§
ποΈ Aug 26
ποΈ King Abdullah Sport City, Jeddah
Live on @ESPNPlus PPV 9PM ET pic.twitter.com/oUQDaf7f9e
Dethroning The Gypsy King
This unyielding resolve fueled Usyk to a monumental victory over Tyson Fury in their first encounter in May. Defying odds and naysayers, the crafty southpaw befuddled the giant Mancunian over twelve absorbing rounds. While one judge saw it for Fury, the other two correctly rewarded Usyk’s superior skills and activity, crowning him the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Whoever wins on Saturday, I am going to get in the ring and call them out. I want to fight Usyk for revenge. I want to set that record straight.
β Daniel Dubois vows to challenge the victor
Dubois’ Devastating Triumph
For Dubois, it was a bitter pill to swallow. But the London slugger didn’t have to wait long for redemption. In September, ‘Dynamite’ delivered a devastating knockout of Anthony Joshua to retain his IBF title in the first defence. The concussive ending, which left the ex-champ slumped on the canvas, sent shockwaves through the division.
“That night I couldn’t stop watching the fight back, no sleep, just pure adrenaline,” Dubois recalls with a broad grin. The 18-1 wrecking machine has been on cloud nine since, indulging thoughts of helicopters and sports cars. But he craves a far greater prize.
It’s time for the young guns to come out firing and show what we are about. I have the title, I am a king, and I will hold on to it.
β Daniel Dubois’ bold proclamation
The ambitious KO artist has served notice of his intentions. Come Saturday night, he plans to vault into the ring and confront the last man standing. Whether it’s a revenge mission against Usyk or a blockbuster battle of Britain versus Fury, Dubois is determined to prove he reigns supreme. Based on his current form, only the foolish would bet against this heavy-handed phenom.
