Daniel Dubois confidently declared he would defeat Usyk, despite admitting he is the toughest opponent he has ever faced.

With the undisputed heavyweight championship on the line once again, Daniel Dubois is heading into his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk with renewed confidence and a fiery mindset. Their clash on July 19 promises to be one of the most high-stakes fights in recent boxing history, and Dubois is making it crystal clear: he’s not backing down.

While Usyk remains unbeaten and widely considered one of the most technically gifted fighters of his generation, Dubois believes he has evolved and is ready to finally dethrone the Ukrainian champion.

A Different Dubois Stares Down a Familiar Foe

Their recent face-off at Wembley Stadium sent ripples through the boxing world. As cameras captured every angle of the intense moment, Dubois stared directly into Usyk’s eyes, holding his ground — and then shoved the undisputed champion in the chest.

For some, it was a typical promotional stunt. But for those who’ve followed Dubois’s career, it signaled something more: a mental transformation.

“It was playful,” Dubois later explained to Queensberry. “There wasn’t really nothing in it. It’s one of them things that happens in boxing and big fights like this where everything is on the line.”

Yet beneath the smile, the message was loud and clear: Dubois is no longer the passive, quiet underdog.

A Fighter Transformed Since 2023

Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) hasn’t just changed psychologically. In the ring, he’s developed new weapons, sharpened his focus, and embraced the role of aggressor.

Since his controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) in August 2023, where a disputed low blow and eventual ninth-round stoppage left him heartbroken, Dubois has been on a mission.

In just over a year, he has:

• Knocked out Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller in the 10th round after publicly vowing to “beat him like he was his daddy”

• Verbally rattled Filip Hrgovic, then stopped the Croatian in the eighth

• Stunned the boxing world by knocking out Anthony Joshua in five brutal rounds

With every bout, he’s shown more power, more grit, and more belief.

“I think I’ve shown in my last three fights that I’m totally different. I’m more confident. I trust and believe in myself more,” Dubois said.

The Psychological War Begins with Words — and Shoves

While the shove on Usyk may have looked aggressive, Dubois insists it wasn’t premeditated. Still, the symbolism of the act can’t be ignored. It marks a shift from the more reserved fighter who once seemed to fade under pressure, to someone who welcomes the fire of the spotlight.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’m ready. Ready for it,” he added.

Even his trash talk has evolved. Once reserved and quiet in the press room, Dubois now welcomes mind games, from face-offs to fight week banter. He has realized that imposing himself psychologically is just as important as doing it physically.

Usyk’s Dominance Still Looms Large

Despite Dubois’s confidence, few forget how Oleksandr Usyk dominated their first fight — before and after the controversial body shot in round five.

Usyk’s elite footwork, feints, and ability to control the tempo left Dubois chasing shadows. When the Ukrainian recovered from the disputed blow, he resumed breaking down Dubois systematically, forcing him to take a knee in round nine.

Since then, Usyk hasn’t been idle either.

• In May 2024, he defeated Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the 21st century

• In December 2024, he repeated the feat with another convincing win over Fury

It’s clear: Usyk remains the gold standard in the division.

Dubois Knows the Odds — and Doesn’t Care

In their first encounter, Dubois was mentally overwhelmed, something even his corner admitted. But this time, he claims he’s mentally fortified and strategically prepared.

“I think [Usyk] is the best boxer I’ve faced,” Dubois admitted. “His record shows that he’s a top, top-level guy. But at this level, they’re all good. I just need to be on my A-game… I’ll go through him. I’ll do the business.”

This blend of respect and defiance is something new from Dubois. He acknowledges Usyk’s brilliance — but he refuses to be in awe.

And more importantly, he now believes he belongs in the ring with the best.

The Controversial Low Blow: A Lingering Shadow

That borderline body shot from their first bout continues to be a talking point in the lead-up to the rematch. Many fans and analysts remain split: was it a legal shot or a low blow?

Regardless, the aftermath of the incident revealed one crucial truth — Usyk regained control almost immediately, while Dubois began to unravel under pressure.

This time, Dubois insists that he won’t be so easily discouraged.

He has been through hostile crowds, elite opponents, and gut-check moments since then. And he believes those experiences have steeled him for this fight.

What Has Changed for Dubois?

Since the Usyk loss, Dubois has rebuilt himself from the ground up:

• Mental Toughness: Once accused of lacking heart, he has proven he can go deep into fights and remain dangerous.

• Ring Generalship: No longer just relying on brute power, Dubois now uses smarter pressure, angles, and jab setups.

• Belief: The most crucial change. Dubois believes he is capable of beating Usyk — and that belief is infectious across his camp.

Is Self-Belief Enough to Beat Usyk?

Here’s the dilemma: Confidence is vital — but will it be enough?

Usyk’s control of the distance, ability to read opponents, and sheer ring IQ make him one of the toughest puzzles to solve in modern boxing. Fighters like Tony Bellew, Anthony Joshua, and even Tyson Fury have all been outclassed in different ways.

So, while Dubois has improved, he faces a mountain of technical challenges.

Still, he remains defiant:

“I’ll go through him. I’ll do the business.”

What’s at Stake on July 19?

The bout is for undisputed heavyweight glory — again. But for Dubois, it’s even more than that.

• A chance to avenge his most painful loss

• A shot at redemption after being written off

• A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become undisputed champion at Wembley

For Usyk, this is a chance to cement his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. A second win over Dubois, in front of a massive UK crowd, would further establish his dominance in a golden age of big men.

Final Thoughts: Can Dubois Do the Impossible?

Daniel Dubois has spent nearly a year reinventing himself — and with knockout wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua, it’s clear he’s a force to be reckoned with.

But Oleksandr Usyk is the most complete heavyweight on the planet — and defeating him will require a perfect performance.

Still, in Dubois’s eyes, it’s simple:

“I’m just focused. Get right, and I’ll go through him.”

The world will be watching on July 19 to see if that belief becomes reality — or if Usyk once again proves why he sits on the heavyweight throne.