Can Daniel Dubois’ Return After Health Issues To Take On Oleksandr Usyk Help Him Regain Heavyweight Glory?

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For Daniel Dubois, the road to heavyweight greatness has been anything but smooth. Once hailed as the future of the division, the British powerhouse has faced crushing defeats, controversial stoppages, and now, an unfortunate health setback that cost him a major payday.

His scheduled IBF heavyweight title defense against Joseph Parker last month was supposed to be his moment—a chance to silence the critics and remind the world why he was once considered boxing’s next big thing. But then came the unexpected: Dubois pulled out due to illness, leaving fans and analysts questioning his future.

His coach, Don Charles, insists Dubois had no choice but to withdraw, and despite the setback, he remains hungry for the biggest fight of his career—a potential clash with Oleksandr Usyk. But the real question remains:

Is Daniel Dubois truly ready to step back into the fire? And if so, can he dethrone the most technical heavyweight on the planet?

The Fall: Dubois’ Setbacks and the Fight That Never Happened

A Promising Career Turned Nightmare

Daniel Dubois was once seen as the next great British heavyweight, a knockout machine who had demolished nearly every opponent in his path. With a record filled with highlight-reel finishes, he was on the fast track to becoming a world champion.

But then came his first major roadblock—a fight against Joe Joyce in 2020 that ended in disaster. After absorbing relentless jabs and taking serious damage, Dubois suffered an orbital bone fracture, forcing him to take a knee and be counted out.

The loss was more than just a dent in his record—it raised serious questions about his durability and mental toughness. Many wondered if he had the heart to survive at the elite level.

The Controversy Against Usyk

After rebuilding himself with knockout wins over Trevor Bryan and Kevin Lerena, Dubois finally got his shot at Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight titles in 2023. It was a golden opportunity—a chance to shock the world and claim heavyweight glory.

But controversy struck.

Dubois landed a powerful body shot in the fifth round that sent Usyk crumbling to the canvas. It looked like a potential fight-changing moment, but the referee ruled it a low blow, giving Usyk time to recover. The Ukrainian went on to stop Dubois in the ninth round, but the debate raged on.

Was it really an illegal shot? Did Dubois get robbed of his defining moment? Boxing fans are still divided to this day.

The Latest Setback: The Parker Fight That Never Was

Health Issues Force Dubois Out

Just when Dubois had a chance to get back on track, disaster struck again. He was set to face Joseph Parker, a former world champion on a comeback mission of his own, in a high-stakes IBF title defense. The fight would have put Dubois right back in contention for another shot at a world title.

But in the final weeks leading up to the fight, Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness. While details remain scarce, his coach, Don Charles, insists that Dubois had no choice but to pull out.

“He was not fit to fight,” Charles said in an interview. “People don’t understand—fighting at anything less than 100% at this level is dangerous.”

Did Dubois Miss His Big Opportunity?

The fight with Parker would have been a career-defining moment. A win could have set up a rematch with Usyk or even a massive clash with another top contender like Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder.

Instead, Dubois was sidelined, and Parker went on to dominate Zhilei Zhang, making a strong case for his own title shot.

Now, Dubois must prove himself all over again.

The Comeback: Is Dubois Ready for a Second Shot at Usyk?

What’s Next for Dubois?

With his health improving, Dubois and his team have their eyes set on redemption. But where does he go from here?

The heavyweight division is stacked with elite competition. If he’s serious about another shot at Usyk, he needs to take on a high-profile opponent and make a statement.

Potential Fights That Could Lead to a Title Shot

A Rescheduled Fight with Joseph Parker – A win over Parker would immediately put Dubois back in the mix. However, Parker may have moved on to bigger opportunities.
A Clash with Deontay Wilder – This would be a dangerous but thrilling matchup. Dubois would need to prove he can take Wilder’s legendary power.
A Fight Against Filip Hrgovic – The IBF mandatory challenger is looking for a big-name opponent. This could be a direct path back to the title picture.
A Rematch with Usyk – While unlikely in the short term, Dubois could get another shot at Usyk if he proves himself worthy.

Can He Beat Usyk?

If Dubois gets his second shot at Oleksandr Usyk, can he succeed where he previously failed?

Here’s what he needs to improve:

Better Defense Against Precision Punching – Usyk’s speed and movement were too much for Dubois in their first fight. He must learn how to cut off the ring and avoid being outboxed.
More Effective Use of His Power – Dubois has knockout power, but he must find a way to land his big shots without exposing himself to counters.
Mental Toughness – After his losses to Joyce and Usyk, many question whether Dubois can handle adversity. A more ruthless and confident mindset will be key.

If he can address these weaknesses, he has a real shot at redemption.

Can Dubois Rise Again?

Daniel Dubois’ career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but one thing is clear—he isn’t finished yet.

He has the raw power, the physical tools, and the hunger to reclaim his spot among the elite. However, his health concerns, past defeats, and mental resilience will all be tested in the coming months.

Can he rise from the ashes and shock the world? Or will he remain a fighter who never quite lived up to his potential?

If Dubois truly wants heavyweight glory, he must seize his next opportunity with everything he has. And if he does, the boxing world will be watching—because the story of Daniel Dubois isn’t over yet.

The question is: Will it end in triumph or tragedy?

We’ll find out soon enough.