Daniel Dubois looks to change his life by becoming unified heavyweight champion at just 25-years-old against Oleksandr Usyk in Wroclaw, Poland.
The Brit steps through the ropes a massive underdog against the elite Ukrainian, who has already collected all four belts in the cruiserweight division and is focused on doing the same up at heavy.
Deontay Wilder – who previously held the WBC title for half a decade – is picking Usyk to win by knockout, and told ES News that he feels Dubois may not be 100% injury-free.
“I think so too. I think he’s gonna end up with a knockout – maybe eighth round knockout, once they feel each other out and stuff like that.”
Dubois – I don’t think he’s full… I wouldn’t say health [but] injury wise. Don’t make no motherf***ing excuses – we just wish him the best for Saturday night.”
The father of Dubois’ former trainer, Barry McGuigan, revealed that the fighter had torn his ACL after the Kevin Lerena fight in December, in which he touched the canvas three times in the first round.
The Brit turned the tides to win by third round stoppage, but was clearly on a shaky leg. If the injury was indeed to that extent, he would’ve been out of the ring – and proper training – until around June of this year.
He will enter the fight under the guidance of former Derek Chisora trainer, Don Charles, following a split from the McGuigans, who continue to train his sister, Caroline.
Should there still be the hints of injury, Usyk will likely catch on quickly. He is perhaps one of the worst fighters in the world to go up against without full movement in your leg given then angles he creates around his opponents.
The fight will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports Box Office.