Joe Calzaghe is as experienced a champion as they come and has now offered insight into the potential rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
Despite having a total of 46 fights across his decorated career, Calzaghe never fought the same man twice in the professional ranks. He also, famously, never lost.
He shares that unbeaten record with Usyk, although the Ukrainian is no stranger to rematches. He has faced both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice in back-to-back fights with four points victories in all.
That led him to become the undisputed heavyweight world champion and now his quest is to do so again after he had to vacate one of his belts to honour the second Fury fight.
It was Dubois who picked up that IBF title in the meantime, and now the pair are expected to go at it again sometime soon, although Usyk might have to deal with mandatory challenger Joseph Parker first.
Usyk has already shared the ring with Dubois and, after being down from what was ruled to be a low blow, he came through and won with a 9th-round stoppage.
Speaking to Fight Night Extra, Calzaghe said Dubois is an improved fighter since than and called for the rematch.
“I think it’s really interesting. Obviously there was a bit of controversy in the first one with the borderline body shot. I think Dubois is a better fighter. I also think Usyk has shown us what he’s all about. I think that’s the fight to make. I’m interested to see that one.”
On the low blow, he said it ‘was a bit dodgy.’
“It was borderline, but you have a protecter to protect you there, so it’s a bit weird, man, bit dodgy.”
Dubois has been in good form of late with KO wins over Jarrell Miller, Fillip Hrgovic and Joshua in his last three outings, though a second fight with Usyk will be his ultimate test.
