Tony Bellew has a conclusive prediction for when Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois fight later in July.
The two heavyweights already shared the ring once back in August 2023. ‘DDD’ did as well as any opponent has against Usyk in the fight by having him down on the canvas, although his body shot was ruled low and the Ukrainian was allowed to recover.
By the ninth round Usyk had taken total control of the fight and stopped Dubois with a solid jab.
Since then, the Ukrainian has twice beaten Tyson Fury, becoming the undisputed champion with the first win though vacating the IBF belt – which Dubois now holds – for the rematch.
Speaking to Bet 365, former world champion Bellew, who lost to Usyk down at cruiserweight, made his prediction for the contest.
“Usyk is the best heavyweight in the world. He’s probably the best heavyweight of our era, there is no disputing it anymore. He’s amazing at what he does. Dubois has been amazing. I’ve wrote him off on a number of occasions and he’s come back to prove me wrong. You’ve got to give him a shot and he’s in with a chance, but Usyk has already made him quit once so can he make him do it again?
“He (Dubois) is at a stage in his career now where he’s overcome such adversity and he’s the most confident he’s ever been.”
Although he has plenty of praise for Dubois, Bellew still predicts a loss on the night.
“I think he’ll get stopped between rounds eight and 12.”
A win for Usyk would make him a historic two-time undisputed heavyweight champion having also held all the belts down at cruiserweight and a man with very little left to prove in the sport. Despite that, Fury has already been trying to tease him into a trilogy fight in April of next year.
