DANIEL Dubois’ methods of possible victory were discussed, analysed and broken down to the nth degree as last night’s Wembley Stadium headliner rolled into view. Usyk’s age, Dubois’ apparent resurgence in form and confidence, mixed with the alleged low blow controversy, made for fascinating projections.
Like most predictors and observers, current world title contender Agit Kabayel felt before the battle for undisputed gold that it had the potential to be a close-run affair. However, it took just three minutes of initial engagement to convince the German that Dubois’ reign as IBF champion was soon coming to an end.
“Yes, before the fight, I never say this, he come to stop him so early. But after the first round, I say, the fight will never be more than six or seven rounds,” Agit told Boxing News.
Kabayel’s astute boxing brain has led him to the verge of an overdue title shot. The 32-year-old’s mix of body punching, movement and a strong jab makes him a dangerous member of the who-needs-him club.
For that reason, nobody needs him at all, and opportunities have been hard to come by, with every bite at the big time accepted with relish. Not one for trash-talking, Kabayel is, perhaps unwisely, leaving it down to the fans to poke and prod Turki Alalshikh and company into action and grant him the Usyk shot.
“Why not? I say this more times. I hate trash talk. The fans will say: Kabayel is ready for Usyk or no. But, I think this is also a good fight. We are two guys, we never lose in this career. I am 26-0 he is 24-0, something like that.
“We have so much Ukrainian people in Germany and I have also big community in Germany. Let’s go, come to Germany, Usyk!”
Back to Dubois’ display and, despite the Londoner’s intense preparation, under the tutelage of Don Charles, Kabayel sees Daniel’s inability to vary up the levels as the major reason behind his Wembley demise.
“Crazy performance from Oleksandr Usyk, he stopped the fight early. But, I say this before, Daniel Dubois makes so much pressure, too much pressure, you know? He’s not controlled and every jab, every right hand is too strong, and he not defends himself, but you see the result. Oleksandr Usyk stopping fast.”
Following a stunning knockout win by Usyk, where he was surprisingly untested, especially to the body, can Kabayel spot weaknesses to exploit?
“Today, I come only to enjoy and look to fight. But, when I go home, maybe I look to fight and a little bit to make…analysis, yes, of course,” he agreed.
