Daniel Dubois has changed his opinion on who will win the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. The IBF heavyweight champion now believes that Usyk will come out on top in the fight for the undisputed heavyweight title, which will take place this weekend.
Dubois knows what it's like to face Usyk. He lost to the Ukrainian in September 2023, although he did knock him down with a punch that was later deemed weak. Now, as he prepares to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Saudi Arabia, Dubois is giving his opinion on the rematch.
At first, Dubois was in favor of Fury. In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, he said:
"I will be supporting Fury. I want to see him do it, but like I said, I'd like to get a rematch with Usyk, but it would be a great fight either way."
But now, at the last minute, Dubois has changed his viewpoint. He explained his new prediction to The Guardian publication:
"Something in my heart tells me Usyk will prevail again. As a Brit I want Tyson to win because he's done everything for it. You have to respect that. But something tells me that Usyk will do it again. Usyk has luck and his skills on his side. He has the support of his people and he fights for his country."
Usyk and Fury fought for the first time in May 2024. It was a big event - the first uncontested heavyweight bout in 25 years. Usyk won by judges' decision on points. Fury later admitted that he was showing off too much in that fight.
Usyk had previously defeated Dubois and won two fights in a row against Anthony Joshua, winning and defending three major heavyweight belts. Now he's getting ready to fight Fury again.
This time Fury will try to turn the tide. This is his only defeat in the professional ring and he wants to prove that it was a one-off. But Dubois thinks Usyk has too many chances - luck, skills and motivation from his country.
Who's right, we'll find out when Usyk and Fury step into the ring this weekend.
