Daniel Dubois has risen from his hospital bed and stepped straight into multi-million dollar negotiations to fight Oleksandr Usyk

Daniel Dubois has gone from a last-minute fight cancellation to stepping into multi-million dollar negotiations for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. The boxing world was taken by surprise when Dubois pulled out of his scheduled IBF heavyweight title defense against Joseph Parker due to a medical condition.

A Stunning Turn of Events for Daniel Dubois

The withdrawal cost him over £7 million in earnings, not to mention months of preparation and training expenses.

However, what seemed like a major setback has now opened the door to an even bigger opportunity. Instead of defending his title against Parker, Dubois is now in discussions to fight Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship—a chance to avenge his controversial loss from their first encounter.

Did Dubois Dodge Parker? Speculations Run Wild

Dubois’ withdrawal from the Joseph Parker fight sparked immediate controversy. Some boxing insiders and fans speculated that the British heavyweight intentionally pulled out to avoid the risk of losing and jeopardizing a future, more lucrative bout. The whispers of him “ducking” Parker gained traction, but official reports confirmed that a glandular illness forced him to step away from the fight.

Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, confirmed the legitimacy of Dubois’ illness, stating: “Daniel was not medically cleared to fight this weekend, but strangely, this may have actually helped him secure an even bigger fight with Usyk.”

Now, rather than facing Parker for a smaller payday, Dubois is negotiating a multi-million dollar fight with Usyk—a rematch that could redefine his career.

Saudi Arabia’s Boxing Boom and the Dubois-Usyk Rematch

The latest reports suggest that Saudi Arabia’s sports moguls are eager to host Dubois vs. Usyk 2 as part of the upcoming Riyadh Season, an annual event showcasing major sports, entertainment, and cultural spectacles. The financial backing from Saudi Arabia has revolutionized the boxing landscape, offering fighters enormous purses for high-profile bouts.

Promoter Frank Warren acknowledged this unexpected twist, saying: “It’s odd, but Daniel’s illness has actually created an even bigger opportunity for him. It could lead to one of the biggest fights of his career.”

For Oleksandr Usyk, who recently defeated Tyson Fury, waiting a few months to fight Dubois again isn’t a problem. Usyk is on record stating: “I plan to fight only two more times before retiring. If Daniel is next, then let’s do it.”

Can Dubois Overcome the Ghosts of His First Fight with Usyk?

Their first fight in August 2023 ended in dramatic fashion, with Usyk stopping Dubois in the ninth round. However, the fight was overshadowed by controversy when Dubois landed a body shot that was ruled a low blow, leading to a five-minute recovery break for Usyk. Team Dubois protested that the punch was legal and should have counted as a knockdown.

A rematch provides Dubois with a shot at redemption, but is he truly ready to face Usyk again? His first fight exposed weaknesses in his endurance, technical skills, and ability to handle Usyk’s movement. If he wants to stand a chance, he will need to address the following key areas:

• Improve Stamina: Dubois visibly tired in the later rounds against Usyk, something he cannot afford in a rematch.

• Enhance Defensive Skills: Usyk’s footwork and counter-punching were too much for Dubois the first time.

• Tactical Adjustments: If Dubois can land powerful body shots early on, he may slow Usyk down and increase his chances of victory.

What’s Next for Joseph Parker?

While Dubois finds himself in a better position despite his withdrawal, Joseph Parker is the biggest loser in this turn of events. The New Zealander went from preparing for a world title shot to facing a last-minute opponent in Martin Bakole, a dangerous and highly underrated heavyweight.

Parker managed to win, but it wasn’t the high-profile victory he had originally anticipated. Now, he finds himself outside the title picture once again, wondering if his time to challenge for heavyweight gold will ever come.

A Closer Look at the Financial Aspects of This Mega Fight

The financial stakes of this rematch are astronomical. Usyk, as the reigning champion, will command a significant portion of the fight purse, but Dubois will also receive a career-high payday should the fight be finalized. Early reports suggest that Dubois could earn between £8-10 million, a massive increase from what he would have made against Parker.

The Saudi Arabian boxing model has shifted the financial landscape of the sport, making fights like Dubois vs. Usyk 2 far more lucrative than they would be under traditional Western promotional models. The Riyadh Season has attracted major combat sports events, and adding an undisputed heavyweight title fight only solidifies Saudi Arabia’s status as a new boxing hub.

Does Dubois Have the Skills to Beat Usyk This Time?

Usyk remains the clear favorite going into a potential rematch, but Dubois’ physicality and power cannot be overlooked. At 6’5″ and 240 pounds, Dubois has a size advantage over Usyk, who relies more on speed and technical ability. If Dubois can use his size effectively, close the distance, and cut off Usyk’s movement, he stands a chance of pulling off the upset.

Final Thoughts: A Blessing in Disguise for Dubois?

What initially seemed like a devastating financial and career setback for Daniel Dubois has transformed into an unexpected golden opportunity. Instead of fighting Parker for a fraction of the payday, Dubois is now on the verge of securing a multi-million dollar rematch against Usyk in Saudi Arabia.

However, the question remains: Is Dubois truly ready for this fight? Usyk has already beaten him once and has only improved since then. If Dubois doesn’t make significant adjustments, history could repeat itself. But if he manages to shock the world, he could rewrite his legacy and become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Either way, the boxing world will be watching closely as negotiations unfold. Will Dubois seize the moment, or is he walking into another crushing defeat at the hands of Usyk? Time will tell.