Daniel Dubois has changed his mind about fighting Oleksandr Usyk. The British heavyweight now wants to face the Ukrainian in an undisputed title clash.
Dubois and Usyk have history. They fought in August 2023 for the WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles. The fight ended in controversy when Dubois dropped Usyk with what he thought was a good body shot. The referee ruled it a low blow, and Usyk went on to win by ninth-round stoppage.
After that fight, Usyk won the undisputed heavyweight title but later gave up the IBF belt. Dubois claimed that vacant title, setting up a potential rematch with added stakes.
Dubois was supposed to fight Joseph Parker in February, but he got sick and had to pull out. At first, he wanted to reschedule that fight. He told Podlounge UK:
"I want to run it back [with Parker]. If they can get that fight on, that's the fight I want next. It's unfinished business and it's left a bitter taste in my mouth. I want to fight them all. I want to fight Parker definitely. Hopefully Turki might hear this and make it happen in England at Wembley or something. I want to fight Parker, that's unfinished business for me. If not Parker, Usyk or AJ, these are the guys I want next."
But now, Dubois has changed his tune. He told The Ring:
"A big fight in July against Usyk. That's what I want… the Usyk fight [at Wembley] would be like the AJ fight but way bigger, the biggest fight in the world."
Dubois wants the fight at Wembley Stadium in July. It's a big change from his earlier stance, but it makes sense given the magnitude of an undisputed heavyweight title fight.
There's a potential roadblock, though. The IBF has ordered Dubois to defend his belt against Derek Chisora. This mandatory challenge could get in the way of the Usyk fight unless a deal can be worked out.
The heavyweight division is heating up, and Dubois is right in the middle of it. Will he get his shot at Usyk and undisputed glory? Or will he have to face Chisora first? The next few weeks should give us some answers.
