Daniel Dubois Challenges Oleksandr Usyk Ahead of WBA Mandate
WBA Regular heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) has emerged as the leading candidate to be the next opponent for unified champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs). It’s a fight that Dubois would take without hesitation.
A potential matchup between Dubois and the unified champion is the fallout from failed negotiations on a match between Usyk and WBC title-holder Tyson Fury. During an interview with the media source SecondsOut, Dubois said he’s currently in talks with his promoter, Frank Warren, about their plans. According to the native of London, England, he wants his next fight against Usyk.
Dubois is coming off a third-round stoppage over Kevin Lerena in December 2022. During that contest, the native of London, England suffered a knee injury and was knocked down multiple times before rallying for the victory. Following that win, Dubois underwent knee surgery to repair a damaged ACL.
BRING ON USYK
Dubois says the surgically repaired knee is fine and feels better than ever during training sessions. But some pundits cite the injury and his performance against Lerena as evidence that it’s too soon for him to fight Usyk. But Dubois scoffs at the critics.
“I’ve proven myself. I’m rough, I’ve been through it. I’ve been busted up, and now I’m back on the other side.
This is my chance. For me, this is what I’m in the sport for. Go for the big one, and I believe I can knock him out. So, I want to end the reign of Usyk, clear up, take all the belts ,and just fulfill on my promise of what my potential is.”
Currently ranked number one in the 3kingsboxing.com Top Ten fighter rankings, Usyk is the definition of an elite fighter. But at age 36, he’s no spring chicken. The 30-year-old Dubois feels that with his youth and timing, he will catch the elusive champion and has the kind of one-punch punching power to take the Ukrainian out.
Chances are that he gets his desired fight with Usyk. The WBA plans to officially order them to fight on April 1. It’s a strong possibility that a Usyk-Dubois matchup could occur this summer in England. It’s a fight that Dubois wants badly. He has his fingers crossed it happens and has this message for the unified champion:
“I challenge you, Usyk. Your reign is coming to an end, if you face me.”
