Daniel Dubois has escalated his war of words with Oleksandr Usyk, insisting that the Ukrainian was “lucky” in their first fight and would be beaten in a potential rematch later this year.
However, Usyk’s camp has responded by insisting the Brit won’t even beat Joseph Parker when he makes the first defence of his world heavyweight title next month.
Dubois claimed the IBF title when he beat Anthony Joshua in September and has since called for an undisputed showdown with Usyk, who holds the WBO, WBA and WBC belts.
The pair first met in a controversial fight in Poland in 2023 when Dubois floored the Ukrainian with a body shot in the fifth round, which the referee ruled a low blow and subsequently gave him additional time to recover.
Usyk went on to win via knockout, but Dubois told Sky Sports a rematch would look very different.
“I wouldn’t let him off the hook next time, he said at the Ring Magazine Awards.
“He got away lucky last time.
“I need to right that wrong and get my revenge. But first things first is Joseph Parker, all eyes are on him.”
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Usyk discusses whether he could offer Dubois a rematch
Usyk enjoyed two victories over Tyson Fury in 2024, but promoter Alex Krassyuk is not currently contemplating a potential rematch with Dubois.
That’s because he expects Parker to snatch the IBF title from him when they fight in Riyadh on February 22.
“You never know. We have no idea [what’s next],” Krassyuk told Sky Sports.
“Now it’s time to relax. It’s time to take a 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 belt against Parker
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Adam Booth is surprised Frank Warren has agreed Joseph Parker as Daniel Dubois’ next opponent
Dubois, however, insists he can carry the momentum of his historic Wembley Stadium victory over Joshua into next month’s fight in Saudi Arabia.
And he insists he will overcome Parker, who has pulled off 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 haven’t they? 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.”
