The current IBF world heavyweight champion is seeking to redeem his Usyk loss but feels a former champion may also be a suitable challenge.
Daniel Dubois will be aiming to defend his heavyweight title on February 22nd when he takes on Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
‘Dynamite’ Dubois successfully defended his title against fellow British fighter Anthony Joshua in September, stopping ‘AJ’ in round 5.
A successful title defense for Dubois could potentially set up a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, who got the better of ‘Dynamite’ in 2023.
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Daniel Dubois open to facing Wladimir Klitschko
Wladimir Klitschko has sparked rumors of an unorthodox return to boxing, aged 48. Although it is not confirmed as to whether or not the Ukrainian will officially come out of retirement, the likes of Shannon Briggs has shown an interest in fighting Klitschko.
Dubois has also shown interest in a potential fight with the former heavyweight champion. Although a chance at redemption for his Usyk loss is the aim, Dubois would be ‘open’ to facing Klitschko.
In an interview with Box Nation, Dubois said, “I reckon he [Klitschko] doesn’t fancy it any more,” before adding that a bout with the 48-year-old would still be “interesting”.
Dubois is set to face Parker on February 22nd to defend his title on a stacked card in Saudi Arabia. However, should he be successful in the bout, he was asked “If for some reason a fight for Usyk or whoever has the belts doesn’t materialise… are you open to defending your belt against Wladamir Klitschko?”
With a clear response, Dubois said “Yeah, whoever. Whoever wants it… But yeah, Wladamir Klitschko, the legend. That would be something.”
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Dubois explains why faced Oleksandr Usyk in the ring after Fury victory
Following Usyk’s unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in February, Dubois jumped into the ring to face his fellow heavyweight champion.
When asked what his thoughts were behind his actions in the same Box Nation interview, Dubois responded “This is boxing at the end of the day, any publicity is good publicity.”
With the face-off resulting in some mixed feelings from fans, Dubois said,”If they hate it or they like it then yeah. I’ve been boxing long enough to understand that now…It’s not all about having everything your way and everyone love you, but as long as they want to see you, that is all that matters.”
Although it is unclear when Usyk will return to the ring, his manager has indicated that it may be in the second half of 2025. “The end of July, or August,” the manager told Boxing Scene. “After another 12 rounds with Fury, he needs a good, long recovery.”
However, with Dubois fighting in February, it is unlikely ‘DDD’ would return before the summer.