Daniel Dubois has stepped up his war of words with Oleksandr Usyk, claiming the Ukrainian “got lucky” in their first fight and will win a potential rematch later this year.
However, Usyk’s camp have hit back by insisting the Brit won’t even beat Joseph Parker when he defends his world heavyweight title next month.
Dubois won the IBF title when he defeated Anthony Joshua in September and since called for an uncontested showdown with Usykwho holds the WBO, WBA and WBC belts.
The pair first met in a controversial fight in Poland in 2023, when Dubois hit the Ukrainian in the fifth round with a body kick that the referee allowed, then gave him extra time to recover.
Usyk won by knockout, but Dubois told Sky Sports the rematch would look very different.
“Next time I wouldn’t let him off the hook,” he said at the Ring Magazine Awards.
“He got away with luck last time.
“I must right that wrong and get my revenge. But first, all eyes are on Joseph Parker.”
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Usyk discusses whether he can offer Dubois a rematch
Usyk has two wins over Tyson Fury in 2024, but promoter Alex Krasyuk is not currently considering a potential rematch with Dubois.
That’s because he expects Parker to take the IBF title from him when they fight in Riyadh on February 22.
“You never know. We have no idea (what will happen next),” Krasyuk told Sky Sports.
“Now it’s time to rest, it’s time to rest.
“Then after Dubois fights Parker, which I think Parker is going to win, we just don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
Dubois. I’m ready to defend the belt against Parker
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Adam Booth surprised that Frank Warren has agreed to Joseph Parker as Daniel Dubois’ next challenger
Dubois, however, insists he can take victory over Joshua at his historic Wembley Stadium in Saudi Arabia next month.
And he insists he will beat Parker, who has suffered stunning upsets against Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder in his last two outings.
“I’m confident, I’m ready,” Dubois added.
“Everyone has to grow up, right? I’m confident, ready to fight and ready to go for him and keep going.”
“We’re on a roll and I really want to keep this momentum going until we’re at the top.”
