Daniel Dubois breaks the silence: “Forget Joshua, Usyk is my only priority!”

British heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has made it clear that his focus is set on a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, dismissing any speculation of an imminent fight with Anthony Joshua. With Dubois gearing up to defend his IBF world heavyweight title against Joseph Parker on February 22, the boxing world is abuzz with discussions about his next move.

Dubois Prioritizes Usyk Rematch Over Joshua

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that if Dubois successfully defeats Joseph Parker, his next target would be a highly-anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, the unified WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion. This decision means that Anthony Joshua may have to wait longer for another world title shot, despite ongoing speculation about a potential clash between the two British heavyweights.

Dubois and Usyk first met in the ring in 2023, a bout that ended controversially when Usyk went down from what was ruled a low blow. Dubois, however, strongly believed the punch was legal and that he had Usyk hurt. The Ukrainian champion recovered and went on to stop Dubois in the ninth round. Now, Dubois is determined to rewrite history.

Speaking about the rematch, Frank Warren stated:

“The first fight was controversial. Dubois hurt Usyk, and I believe it was a legal shot. If he wins against Parker, he’ll have plenty of options, but the big one he wants is a rematch with Usyk.”

Dubois vs Parker: A Must-Win for the British Champion

Before Dubois can think about avenging his loss to Usyk, he must first overcome Joseph Parker, a former WBO world champion and a formidable opponent. Parker, known for his resilience and technical ability, has claimed that he has what it takes to stop Dubois in their upcoming bout.

However, Frank Warren remains confident in Dubois’ abilities, citing his past performances against top-tier opponents like Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller, and even Anthony Joshua:

“Miller underestimated Dubois, Hrgovic underestimated him, and even AJ underestimated him. And what did he do? He stopped them all. People keep making the mistake of thinking Dubois will fold, but he keeps proving them wrong.”

Dubois has continued to evolve as a fighter, with Warren emphasizing his growth both physically and mentally:

“At 27, he’s matured in every way. He’s stronger, smarter, and more determined. This fight against Parker will be his toughest test yet, but it’s one I believe he will pass.”

What’s Next for Dubois If He Wins?

If Dubois manages to defeat Parker, he could be set for a rematch against Usyk, potentially fighting for the undisputed heavyweight title, a position Usyk will claim once again if he defeats Tyson Fury in their scheduled bout. Warren has high hopes for Dubois:

“If Dubois beats Parker and then Usyk, he will be the undisputed heavyweight champion. That’s the ultimate goal, and that’s what he’s working towards.”

While Anthony Joshua has been eyeing a shot at the IBF belt, Warren made it clear that Dubois’ priority lies elsewhere. With Joshua seemingly out of the equation for now, all eyes are on Dubois to see if he can live up to the challenge and claim redemption against Usyk.

Final Thoughts

As fight night approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Daniel Dubois. The road to a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk goes through Joseph Parker, and a victory would place Dubois in a prime position to fight for undisputed glory. Whether he can capitalize on this opportunity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Dubois is fully focused on Usyk and nothing else.