Oleksandr Usyk has shared his reaction to Fabio Wardley suffering a defeat to former foe Daniel Dubois in their WBO heavyweight title clash.
Dubois overcame Wardley in an epic heavyweight battle at the Co-Op Live in Manchester earlier this month, recovering from two early knockdowns to claim an 11th round stoppage and become a two-time world heavyweight champion.
Wardley was making the first defence of the belt that he had secured after Usyk himself had vacated the title, with the Ipswich man elevated to full champion after successful wins over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker in 2025.
He came unstuck against Dubois though, and Usyk has told DAZN Boxing that Wardley’s big mistake was not using his jab more, whilst also sharing concerns about the wellbeing of both men after their bout.
“It’s a street fight. Congratulations Dubois, good job, new world champion, but Fabio, where is jab? Fabio, where?
“[He] never jabbed. Maybe once. Only right hand, only right hand. It’s not working. Very strong chin but I think this is a street fight, it’s a problem for both guys for [the] brain and health.”
Usyk had stated previously that he was interested in facing the winner of the fight in order to attempt to become undisputed again, but it seems that will now have to wait after Wardley activated his rematch clause for an immediate second meeting with Dubois.
Boxing fans may be reluctant to see a third fight between Usyk and Dubois anyway after the Ukrainian won their two previous fights, with the likes of Agit Kabayel and Moses Itauma more in-demand options once Usyk has fought Rico Verhoeven this weekend.
