FRANK Warren has claimed that another bout between IBF champion Daniel Dubois and WBC, WBO and WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk is “the most natural rematch anywhere in boxing”.
Their last fight ended in a ninth-round stoppage for the Ukrainian, but it was marred by controversy after Dubois put Usyk on the canvas with a punch adjudged as a low blow by referee Luis Pabon, who then gave Usyk time to recover.
Before a potential rematch, Dubois will have to overcome Joseph Parker on 22nd February, whose impressive run has put him back amongst the big hitters in the division, overcoming Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder on his way to landing a title shot.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani and Ade Oladipo on DAZN Boxing, Warren said: “If he (Dubois) wins, and I believe he will win, but it’s a very tough fight, then that for me has got to be the most natural rematch anywhere in boxing.
“We had that controversial moment with Daniel and he definitely hurt Oleksandr.”
Warren also believes that Dubois will now pose an even more dangerous threat to Usyk following impressive knockout victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.
“Looking at Daniel and how he has matured over the last three fights, he’s shown what he’s all about.
“Every fight except this fight that he’s gone in as an underdog and he’s proven everyone wrong in the last three fights and he wants to wipe the slate clean with Usyk.
“It’s a natural fight there’s no doubt about it, probably the biggest fight out there, and provided he comes through I believe we’ll get it on and it will be a mega fight.”
Frank Warren discusses Delicious Orie signing with Queensberry and Moses Itauma’s future
Warren has assembled the strongest heavyweight roster in boxing and has further bolstered his stable with young prospects, including Moses Itauma and the recently signed Delicious Orie.
Orie had considered a career in wrestling following a disappointing Paris 2024 Olympics, where he failed to medal, but he was instead won over by Queensberry.
“He was very unlucky in the Olympics, there were great expectations on him, but that’s gone and past and it’s up to him now to turn that around.”
Warren has also assured the fans they will not have to wait long before we next see 11-0 Moses Itauma back in the ring again.
“He’ll be back in the next three months no doubt about it.
“Anyone who talks about the next big fighter they mention him. I don’t like putting too much pressure on young fighters but he’s such a mature fighter.
“As he gets older and matures physically, because he’s still not a man as such strength-wise, he can be a massive handful for everybody.”
The future of British heavyweight boxing looks bright, with young prospects waiting to fill the shoes of the established once their dominance begins to wane.
We’ve already witnessed the meteoric rise of Daniel Dubois, and with the ‘retirement’ of Tyson Fury and the dip in form of Anthony Joshua, the stage is set for the next pool of talent.
“Take Usyk out of the picture and I think we’re the bosses, there’s no doubt about it,” added Warren.
“It’s not until going back to Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno that we were lucky enough to start winning titles, but now we are so strong with such a great bunch of young fighters and mature fighters.”
