Daniel Dubois has spoken out about a potential shot at unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk, claiming he wants to “end the reign” of the masterful Ukrainian.
With an undisputed fight between Usyk and Tyson Fury now dead in the water, it looks like the former’s next outing will be against one of his mandatory challengers, of whom WBA regular belt holder Dubois sits first in the queue.
Speaking to SecondsOut, ‘DDD’ gave Usyk his props as a fighter, but maintained he could upset the odds and capture the WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight world titles if the fight is to be next.
“I believe I can knock him out. I want to end the reign of Usyk, take all the belts and fulfil my promise and what my potential is.”
“I’ve got the timing, I’ve got the youth and I’ve got the speed. With my coaches, and the team I’ve got around me, I feel like this is where miracles can happen.”
“He’s just another guy. He’s fit and he’s proven he’s a talented boxer. But I believe I can do it.”
On the knee injury sustained last time out in a scare against Kevin Lerena, Dubois alleviated any fears:
“It’s fine, I’m doing all the rehab, doing all the exercises, strengthen, Im on the bag, I feel better than before really. I’m up and running.”
Boxing fans across the planet were dealt a crushing below when it was confirmed that, despite months of negotiations and public statements to the contrary, an historic four belt unification between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk would not be next.
With Usyk’s representatives confirming he would look to take care of his mandatory obligations, some in the sport felt Dubois could swerve the fight rather than take on the mammoth task.
However, his words today indicate fans could be treated to a fight between Usyk and a British heavyweight after all, which would be regarded as a decent consolation.