Both Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk want to step through the ropes to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion.
Dubois currently holds the IBF belt and has been on a fine run of knockout form. He truly announced himself with a late stoppage victory over Jarrell Miller which proved he could weather heavy fire and come through the other side to impose himself.
The Brit then did similar against Filip Hrgovic and got a win which saw him elevated to full IBF champion when Usyk vacated the belt, then defended that status against former two-time ruler Anthony Joshua with a big round five KO.
Most recently, Dubois was due to defend once more against another form man in Joseph Parker, but fell ill and had to withdraw. He is currently in the process of sorting his next opponent and is keen for it to be Usyk, the unified three-belt champion.
The pair have history having fought back in August 2023. It was a controversial bout in which Dubois had the Ukrainian down, though the shot was ruled low. Usyk came through to stop Dubois in the 9th round.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Dubois was asked, “does Usyk hit hard or is it simply the speed?” He opted for the latter.
“Speed I guess. Everyone at that level is a good heavyweight so I think speed and the condition I was in.”
Usyk has also admitted he would take a rematch as he has set his sights on being a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, though a mandatory order to face Parker from the WBO throws a spanner in the works.
