Daniel Dubois, the IBF world heavyweight champion, has expressed confidence that Oleksandr Usyk will defeat Tyson Fury once again in their highly anticipated rematch in Riyadh. Despite his respect for Fury and his accomplishments in the boxing world, Dubois believes Usyk’s skill and determination will prevail. “Something in my heart tells me Usyk will pull it off again,” Dubois remarked, just hours after arriving in the city. He acknowledged Fury’s legacy but emphasized that Usyk’s combination of luck, skill, and national pride gives him the edge in the upcoming fight. “He’s fighting for his country,” Dubois noted, referring to the strong support Usyk has from his Ukrainian people.
Usyk’s previous victory over Dubois in August 2023 remains a significant chapter in their careers. In a brutal contest, Usyk stopped Dubois in the ninth round, despite being hurt by a punch to the beltline in the fifth round. That moment, which many believed was a low blow, temporarily halted the fight, but Usyk recovered and ultimately dominated. Despite the defeat, Dubois is now fully focused on his own career and future, particularly his upcoming opportunities to challenge the best in the heavyweight division.
Usyk’s victory over Fury in May, which made him the undisputed world heavyweight champion, was followed by a controversial stripping of his IBF title. The Ukrainian had refused to meet the IBF’s mandatory challenger, having already signed a contract for a rematch with Fury. As a result, Dubois, who was crowned the IBF champion, found himself in the midst of a rapidly changing heavyweight landscape. However, Dubois’ own career took a dramatic turn in September when he stunned the boxing world by knocking out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round of their bout at Wembley Stadium. The win solidified his place in the heavyweight elite and elevated his confidence.
Despite his usually reserved nature, Dubois has undergone a transformation since his victory over Joshua. He is now more outspoken and eager to embrace his newfound status as a champion. “I will always respect AJ for giving me the opportunity and I am glad I took it,” Dubois said, reflecting on the fight. He also joked about the public’s reaction to Joshua’s loss, noting how people seemed more focused on mourning his defeat than celebrating his own rise. “It’s almost like someone has died and the country has gone into mourning,” he remarked, adding with a grin, “I think I put him in a retirement home.”
While Dubois relishes his success, he is also frustrated by the lack of attention he receives as a potential opponent for either Usyk or Fury. Instead, the focus remains on a potential trilogy fight between Usyk and Fury, or a future bout between Fury and Joshua. Dubois, however, is determined to make his presence felt. “Whoever wins on Saturday, I am going to get in the ring and call them out,” he said. “I want to fight Usyk for revenge. I want to set that record straight. There’s a familiar story from our fight in Poland but I’ll fight Fury too, no problem.”
Dubois’ confidence is not limited to his boxing abilities; he is also indulging in a more playful side. Asked if he had treated himself following his victory over Joshua, he responded with excitement about the idea of purchasing a helicopter, though he admitted his garden isn’t large enough to land one. He also joked about his desire for a Ferrari, noting that the cars are too small for someone of his size. “They’re made for those tiny Italian guys,” he laughed.
With his new sense of joy and purpose, Dubois is eager to prove himself as the top dog in the heavyweight division. “It’s time for the young guns to come out firing and show what we are about,” he said. “I have the title, I am a king, and I will hold on to it. I would like to be the one to send them all off and prove I am the top dog. It would be a great feeling.” As Dubois looks to the future, he is ready to take on the biggest challenges and establish himself as a dominant force in the heavyweight ranks.
