While some have named Daniel Dubois as the top dog of his division, others are more sceptical of his plan to dominate this next era of heavyweight boxing.
The 29-year-old retained his WBO title last time out, scoring a second-round finish over Fabio Wardley after flooring his man in the first 17 seconds of their rematch.
Prior to that, ‘Dynamite’ had survived two knockdowns and won their first encounter by 11th-round stoppage, becoming a two-time world champion after losing his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk in July 2025.
Back then, Dubois suffered a fifth-round stoppage defeat and has also been dropped in previous fights, including his 2022 encounter with Kevin Lerena.
Given these clear signs of vulnerability, then, it is difficult to say with any real confidence that Dubois will make mincemeat of his future rivals.
Someone who could pose genuine danger, for instance, is Martin Bakole, who has not fought since his draw with Efe Ajagba in May 2025.
Yet despite the 33-year-old’s inactivity, head coach Billy Nelson has told The Fight Wire that Bakole, who plans to return early next year, is capable of annihilating Dubois.
“I still see the same Daniel Dubois that Martin Bakole sparred in the Peacock Gym [several years ago]. I still see, in the first [Wardley fight], the same defensive frailties that he’s got.
“I know exactly how we would box [against him]. Martin Bakole would smash Daniel Dubois to bits; a fit Martin Bakole would always smash Daniel Dubois to bits.”
Before his draw with Ajagba, Bakole suffered a second-round stoppage defeat to Joseph Parker – an opponent he faced on around two days’ notice – and, prior to that, had scored a fifth-round finish over Jared Anderson.
