Dave Allen, a popular British heavyweight, thinks Daniel Dubois will beat Oleksandr Usyk in their upcoming rematch. Allen's prediction comes from his experience sparring with both fighters.
Allen recently knocked out Johnny Fisher, but it's his time in the ring with Usyk and Dubois that's given him unique insight. Four years ago, Allen sparred with Usyk as the Ukrainian prepared to fight Anthony Joshua. The sessions were so intense that Allen retired from the sport after suffering a concussion.
As for Dubois, Allen remembers sparring with him when Dubois was just 18. Even then, the young heavyweight "snapped the neck back" of Allen with his punches.
Since those sparring sessions, Usyk has dominated the heavyweight division. He's beaten all challengers, including Tyson Fury twice to become the undisputed champion. Last August, Usyk knocked out Dubois in the ninth round, though the fight had its controversial moments. Dubois knocked Usyk down with what he thought was a body shot, but the referee ruled it low and gave Usyk time to recover.
Dubois has improved a lot since that fight. He's knocked out Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and even Anthony Joshua in September.
Allen explained his prediction to talkSPORT:
"I don't think he's a heavyweight at all, he could fight at cruiserweight still now. I just think this is the right time for Daniel Dubois to beat Usyk and become the undisputed champion. I think it's the timing. Daniel Dubois is getting better with every fight, and he's improving dramatically."
Allen believes Usyk isn't naturally big enough for the heavyweight division. He thinks the timing is right for Dubois, who's getting better with every fight.
The stakes are high for this rematch. The winner will hold all four major belts. And they'll have to defend those titles soon, with Joseph Parker waiting as the mandatory challenger.
