Usyk vs Dubois 26/08/2023, Estimated 10:00pm(BST)
On one hand, the heavyweight picture looks relatively clear. Anthony Joshua to fight Deontay Wilder, Oleksandr Usyk to fight Tyson Fury and the winner of each contest to battle in Saudi Arabia sometime next year for boxing supremacy.
In reality, the situation is far more complicated. For one, all those plans could be thrown straight into the bin with a single shot from Daniel Dubois this Saturday night.
The Brit is preparing for an opportunity of a lifetime as he takes on Usyk for the Ukrainian’s WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts.
The 25-year-old is carrying the underdog tag ahead of this fight, though due to the brutal nature of heavyweight boxing, he simply cannot be underestimated.
Dubois, who boasts a 19-1 record with 18 knockouts, has won four straight bouts since his 2020 defeat to Joe Joyce. The Brit hasn’t even gone past the fourth round in all those victories.
The man known as ‘Dynamite’ carries knockout power – something he has proved throughout his career. The only question is whether he will have the necessary skills to land anything clean on the current poster boy of the division.
At 36, Usyk isn’t quite the spring chicken he once was, though the Ukrainian is still regarded as one of the most crafty and skilful boxers in the sport.
The former cruiserweight king boasts a perfect 20-0 record with 13 stoppages, with his last two victories coming against Anthony Joshua.
Usyk vs Dubois 26/08/2023 – Verdict
Most pundits and bookmakers are backing the defending champion to put on a show in front of over 40,000 fans in Wroclaw, Poland. Our recommendation is to follow their nose and back Usyk to get the job done.
Many expect Dubois to come out all guns blazing, and should Usyk survive the early onslaught, the Ukrainian will be able to utilise his skills and pick off a tired Brit in the latter stages.
