Oleksandr Usyk made history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades last time out.
In just his sixth fight at heavyweight, the 37-year-old seriously hurt Tyson Fury on his way to a split decision win to add the WBC belt to the WBA, IBF and IBO that he already held.
Having already collected all four titles at cruiserweight as well, many feel that there isn’t anything left for Usyk to accomplish after his contracted rematch with Fury this December.
Speaking to Boxing King Media, the Ukrainian’s manager said that Daniel Dubois is the only man left out there.
“Would we set up a fight with Dubois if Usyk beats Fury? Absolutely. I don’t think anyone else is left in the heavyweight division. Right now, Daniel Dubois is the IBF champion. Many people discussed the first fight, claiming it wasn’t a low blow, but it undoubtedly was.
The referee gave us recovery time, and I believe any smart fighter would use that chance. For many, this raised questions, and for Oleksandr, a fight with Dubois after Fury would be the ideal opportunity to show he can beat him and become the undisputed heavyweight champion a second time.”
Dubois’ first tilt at a world title came in August 2023 against Usyk in Wroclaw, Poland. The Brit, and many watching, thought he had won it in the fifth when the unified champion hit the canvas, though the shot was immediately ruled to be a low blow as Klimas mentions.
Dubois lost steam thereafter and was ultimately stopped in the ninth, though there was hot debate post-fight as to the legality of that fifth round shot.
Fast forward two years and, thanks to Usyk vacating the belt, he is the IBF World Champion. His maiden defence was a statement stoppage win over another former Usyk foe in Anthony Joshua.
The 27-year-old hard-hitting Londoner – who will make a voluntary defence of his belt in February with an opponent yet to be announced – has made it clear that he wants to become undisputed champion, so will have a keen eye on the Usyk-Fury rematch on December 21.
