ARE you a believer in Daniel Dubois?
If so, it’s full steam ahead to Wembley Stadium this Saturday night to back the ‘Dynamite’ Brit (5/2) to become the first fighter from these shores to beat Oleksandr Usyk (3/10).
In seven attempts – Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua (twice), Dubois, and Tyson Fury (twice) – British fighters have failed to topple the Ukrainian maestro. That’s nearly a third of Usyk’s career spent dashing British hopes, and now the reigning unified heavyweight champion has the chance to reaffirm his superiority, and edge closer to becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight king, by beating Dubois once again.
Dubois enters his 25th professional bout full of belief and momentum, riding a three-fight winning streak that’s seen him claim the IBF title – vacated by Usyk after his undisputed triumph. With all four belts back on the line, some believe that Usyk’s mileage and Dubois’ growth under trainer Don Charles could spell the start of a new era. If he pulls it off, Dubois would become Britain’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
But it’s a big if.
Usyk beat Dubois in August 2023 with a blend of pace, precision, and ring IQ – using angles, movement, and rapid-fire combinations to leave the Brit lost in a sweet-science fog. Since then, Usyk has gone on to defeat Tyson Fury twice, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest technicians the division has ever seen.
Dubois, to his credit, has breathed new life into his career. Wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua have restored his standing. But the key question remains: has he done enough to close the gap that was so glaringly obvious in their first meeting?
The likely answer is no.
Dubois has the size, strength, and power to trouble most heavyweights, but Usyk is cut from a different cloth. From his decorated amateur days through to his near-flawless professional run, there’s nothing Dubois can bring that Usyk hasn’t already seen, and nullified.
If part of the case for Dubois relies on Usyk’s decline, then it’s already on shaky ground.
Usyk won’t change much, but he won’t need to. What sets him apart is the relentless pace he sets, both physically and mentally. Dubois will be forced to think on his feet every second, while trying to impose his own game plan and track the subtle shifts and feints of one of boxing’s great ring generals.
At its highest level, boxing is as draining mentally as it is physically, and that’s where this fight will likely be decided. Dubois may well show improvements. He may even go the distance. But like his countrymen before him, he is likely to fall short. Usyk is a generational talent. And it may take another one to finally bring his reign to an end.
Oleksandr Usyk To Win By Decision @7/4, Fight To Go The Distance @6/5
Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org
