Ricky Hatton thinks one man is going into the Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois rematch in top form.
These two heavyweights first fought in August 2023. Back then, Dubois was less experienced at the top level and hadn’t fully established himself, but even so, he managed to have Usyk down on the canvas with what he thought to be a body shot.
Sadly for him, it was controversially ruled low, which meant Usyk had plenty of time to recover. By the ninth round, the Ukrainian great got on top and stopped Dubois.
The Brit has since impressed though with knockout wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, all of which saw him win and then defend the IBF belt Usyk had to vacate.
After their first fight, Usyk went on to twice best Tyson Fury to claim undisputed world heavyweight honours, which he can do so again with a victory over ‘DDD’ at Wembley on July 19.
Speaking to Boxing News, Hatton showed plenty of confidence in the in-form Dubois.
“I think it’s the best fight, they’re the best two heavyweights in the world. Bit of controversy last time, which goes with the game in boxing, doesn’t it, a bit of controversy. I think Daniel has a better chance than the first time, what with a win off Joshua.
“His confidence is massively up. When he fought Usyk first time, he come off the defeat from Joyce, but now he’s absolutely flying, he’s got a better chance than the first time round, I think.”
Whether Dubois or Usyk have they hand raised on the night, they already know that their next appointment in the ring would likely be a defence of the WBO belt against mandatory challenger and former world title holder, Joseph Parker.
