IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has “all the tools” to dominate the division, according to his promoter Frank Warren. After Dubois’ impressive five-round victory over fellow Briton Anthony Joshua on Saturday, Warren is advocating for a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, the current WBO, WBA, and WBC champion.
Dubois previously faced Usyk in August 2023, where he lost by ninth-round stoppage. Despite this setback, Warren believes Dubois has the potential to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight ranks.
At just 27 years old, Dubois was elevated to IBF champion after Usyk vacated the title in June. This decision came shortly after Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years by defeating Tyson Fury. Warren’s push for a rematch indicates his confidence in Dubois’ abilities to compete at the highest level and potentially take the heavyweight division by storm.
Promoter Frank Warren expressed his desire to see Daniel Dubois face Oleksandr Usyk again, stating, “He is a different Daniel Dubois; he is more mature physically and mentally.” Speaking to BBC 5 Live, Warren emphasized that Dubois is poised to become a significant force in the heavyweight division, noting, “He will go from strength to strength. He has all the tools to take this division over.”
While there is a rematch clause in Dubois’ contract with Anthony Joshua, Warren clarified that there isn’t one in their agreement with Usyk, although he remains open to the idea. “It’s something we’ll sit down and discuss,” he added.
Usyk was present at Wembley, taking a break from his training camp as he prepares for a rematch against Tyson Fury scheduled for December 21. The two fighters had a controversial encounter in their previous match in August 2023, when Dubois sent Usyk to the canvas, only for the referee to rule it a low blow, granting Usyk nearly four minutes to recover.
Warren reflected on that incident, stating, “Dubois lost his composure after the incident,” attributing it to his youth and lack of ring experience at the time. However, he remains confident in Dubois’ growth, remarking, “Now he is a different guy altogether, as you saw on Saturday night.”
Anthony Joshua has made it clear that he has no intention of retiring despite his recent devastating defeat. In a video shared on social media, the 34-year-old boxer stated, “We came up short, but we have to look at the positives; that has to be the mindset.”
Reflecting on his career, Joshua emphasized the significance of his achievements over the past 11 years, calling it “phenomenal.” He described his journey as a “rollercoaster,” but reassured fans that it is “far from over.”
Joshua expressed confidence in his future, stating, “I’ve got a lot more to bring to the game, and long may it continue.” His comments underscore his commitment to continuing his boxing career and striving for further success in the ring.
