Daniel Dubois will aim to become an undisputed heavyweight world champion when he takes on Oleksandr Usyk on July 19th.
The pair will rematch at Wembley Stadium in London as the first meeting between Usyk and Dubois had some controversy regarding a low blow.
Since their first meeting in 2023, Dubois has stopped Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. As for Usyk, he has two decision victories over Tyson Fury.
Despite Usyk having two of the best performances of his career against Fury, Dubois sees the fight series differently.
Daniel Dubois believes Oleksandr Usyk will suffer from Tyson Fury fight series
Usyk’s only opponent in 2024 was Fury as the Ukrainian met the ‘Gypsy King’ in May and December. Unifying the heavyweight division, Usyk was able to beat one of the pound-for-pound best in his previous two outings.
Boxing fans were left impressed by the former cruiserweight champion’s performance. However, Dubois does not feel like the experience against Fury will benefit Usyk in their upcoming rematch.
In an interview with Queensberry Promotions, Dubois was asked if the fight series with Fury made Usyk a better fighter. Dubois replied, “I think he’s a little bit worn.”
“Those two fights with Fury, the fight with me, and everyone, they’ve all taken a little bit out of him,” the British fighter added.
‘DDD’ then said he ‘needs to make Usyk feel old’ when the pair have their sequel fight as Dubois seeks revenge.
“You can turn a guy old in one night in a fight, that’s what I have to do.”
Usyk has one fewer professional fight than Dubois, with 23. However, the 23-0 fighter will be 11 years older than Dubois when they step into the ring in London on July 19th.
Daniel Dubois believes he has gotten in the head of Oleksandr Usyk
Despite Usyk holding a knockout win over Dubois, the Englishman feels he is inside the head of the Ukrainian.
Speaking to Queensberry Promotions, Dubois was asked what he thought of Usyk’s behaviour at the press conference before the interviewer added, “Have you got in his head, Daniel?”
Dubois responded by saying, “Yeah. Yeah, we have. I saw him flinch,” laughingly.
The 22-2 fighter then said that compared to the first fight, he is not letting Usyk be the ‘main character’ of the fight in terms of mind games and confidence. “You’ve got to teach them and show them who’s the governor.”