Daniel Dubois has become the man to beat in the heavyweight division. He's racked up impressive wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua in the past year.
Dubois stopped Miller in the final seconds of their 10-round clash last December. He followed that up with another stoppage win against Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia this June. But his biggest victory came in September when he knocked out Anthony Joshua inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium.
The IBF champion's recent success is even more remarkable considering his past setbacks. He took a knee and a 10-count against Joe Joyce to protect his eye from further damage. In August 2023, he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in a fight where he knocked down the Ukrainian with what was ruled a low blow.
An immediate rematch with Joshua was expected next, but Dubois' promoter Frank Warren told The Mail:
"I don't believe that when it comes to it Joshua is going to risk taking that fight. Not after being knocked out like that."
Even if the Joshua rematch doesn't happen, Dubois will likely fight in February. He's eyeing a rematch with Usyk and feels confident he can win this time. In an interview with Podlounge UK, Dubois said:
"I'll smash him next time, smash him for sure. It'll be a good fight but I'm a different fighter now, every fight I've had has improved me and I'm battle-hardened, whoever wants it can get it. These guys they're getting older so I'll send them all into retirement."
Warren supports the idea of a Usyk rematch, stating: "I would like to see Daniel rematch that defeat by Usyk in a fight I still believe he won with a legal body shot, not a low blow."
While Dubois looks to his next challenge, the heavyweight division awaits the undisputed championship rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury set for December. Dubois' recent performances have put him firmly in the mix at the top of the division.
