Boxing trainer, Shane McGuigan, has revealed which heavyweight he believes to be the hardest puncher amongst the division and to some surprise, it is not Deontay Wilder.
Many believe that Wilder is one of the most fearsome knockout artists in the history of the sport, recording 42 knockouts in his 43 victories. However, McGuigan believes that 24-year-old Brit, Daniel Dubois, hits the hardest in the division.
In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, McGuigan highlighted the power of Dubois, who he trains, ahead of a proposed fight with undefeated unified champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
“Oleksandr Usyk is a phenomenal fighter, but he is a man, two arms, two legs, he is a smaller man than Daniel [Dubois] and he has that pot of gold. If Daniel was to ever box Tyson Fury, he is getting paid a fee, whereas if he beats Oleksandr Usyk, ‘AJ’ is going to be after him, Joe Joyce rematch will be there, Tyson Fury for the undisputed?”
“I know you guys can downplay it but he [Dubois] is one of the hardest punchers in the heavyweight division, I believe that he is probably the hardest puncher in the heavyweight division.”
“If you don’t take this opportunity, you are at the back of the queue, you are on the rotation and he has to take this. It is a complete no-brainer.”
McGuigan was also quick to point out that Derek Chisora had success against Usyk when they fought in 2020, giving their team belief they can pull off the upset.
Negotiations for a fight between Usyk and Dubois are reported to be underway, with the WBA setting a deadline of May 2 for a deal before ordering purse bids.