Daniel Dubois: “I deserve a rematch with Usyk – it can’t end like this!”

In the ever-unpredictable world of heavyweight boxing, Daniel Dubois refuses to let controversy define his legacy. Following his valiant yet contentious loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023, the British heavyweight contender has made it clear: he wants his rematch, and he believes the boxing world owes it to him.

More than nine months removed from that dramatic night in Wroclaw, Poland, Dubois still feels robbed. His now-famous body shot—initially ruled a low blow—nearly stopped the Ukrainian pound-for-pound king in Round 5. But instead of being crowned a world champion, Dubois saw his golden opportunity slip through the referee’s fingers. Now, the 26-year-old is on a mission to rewrite that ending.

“It Can’t End Like This” – The Fire Still Burns

In a recent interview, Daniel Dubois didn’t mince words:

“I deserve a rematch with Usyk. It can’t end like this. That shot was legal. I dropped him fair and square. If the referee had done his job, I would be the champion today.”

That Round 5 moment became one of the most hotly debated incidents in recent heavyweight history. After landing a thudding right to Usyk’s midsection, Dubois appeared to knock the Ukrainian champion down. But referee Luis Pabon ruled it a low blow, granting Usyk nearly four minutes to recover. The Ukrainian would bounce back and eventually stop Dubois in the ninth round, defending his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles in dramatic fashion.

To this day, slow-motion replays and expert analysis remain split on whether Dubois’ punch landed legally or strayed low. But for Dubois, there’s no doubt.

“I hit him in the belly. It was a fight-ending punch, and he knows it. Everyone saw it. They know the truth.”

A Fighter Reborn: Dubois’ Comeback Trail

Following the heartbreak, many wondered how Dubois would respond. Would the psychological toll of such a controversial loss derail his career, or would it ignite a new fire within?

The answer came in December 2023, when Dubois returned to the ring with a vengeance. In a one-sided demolition of American contender Jarrell Miller, the British powerhouse showcased improved head movement, sharper combinations, and renewed confidence. He battered Miller until the referee halted the fight in the 10th round, earning widespread praise.

“That fight was for everyone who doubted me,” Dubois said. “I’m not done. I’m just getting started.”

That performance served as a message—not just to fans and critics—but to Oleksandr Usyk himself.

The Politics of a Rematch

Despite Dubois’ calls for a rematch, the reality of heavyweight boxing politics complicates matters. Usyk recently unified all four major belts by defeating Tyson Fury in a historic clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in May 2024. With a rematch clause in place, Fury is expected to invoke it, which means Usyk will likely be tied up for the foreseeable future.

Still, Dubois insists that after the Usyk-Fury rematch, he should be next in line.

“I gave Usyk the hardest fight of his heavyweight run. More than Joshua, more than Chisora, more than even Fury. I put him down. I nearly ended it. You can’t ignore that.”

Promoter Frank Warren echoed those sentiments earlier this year, stating that Dubois “deserves justice” and that “the result of that fight with Usyk will always carry an asterisk.”

Expert Opinions: Was It a Low Blow or Legal?

In the immediate aftermath of the Usyk-Dubois fight, the boxing community was divided. Some pundits, including former champions and trainers, felt the shot was legal. Others defended Pabon’s call.

Carl Froch, the former super middleweight world champion, said on Sky Sports:

“For me, that was a legitimate body shot. Usyk didn’t want to continue. That’s just how I saw it.”

On the flip side, former referee Joe Cortez defended the decision:

“It was on the borderline. In a world title fight, if you’re not 100% sure it’s legal, you give the benefit of the doubt to the fighter who was hit.”

The WBA reviewed the incident but stood by the outcome, choosing not to mandate an immediate rematch. That ruling stung for Dubois, who saw his path to redemption momentarily blocked.

Mental Toughness and Maturity

In interviews following his defeat, Dubois admitted the loss weighed heavily on him but claimed it also made him stronger.

“It was hard, man. I went to a dark place for a while. But I found strength in that. It pushed me to evolve.”

Indeed, fans and analysts alike noticed a new maturity in Dubois. Gone was the fighter whose only answer was brute power. In its place emerged a more composed, strategic version of Dubois—a man who learned from pain and now seeks redemption not through complaints, but through performance.

What Would a Rematch Look Like?

If Daniel Dubois gets his wish and secures a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, how might it unfold?

Usyk, a master technician with elite footwork and timing, was troubled by Dubois’ size, jab, and body attack in their first encounter. If Dubois can start faster, cut the ring more effectively, and land to the body early, he could change the complexion of the fight.

However, Usyk has proven he adapts brilliantly over the course of a fight. He recovered after the controversial fifth round and systematically broke Dubois down by Round 9.

A rematch would be a tactical chess match combined with a physical war—exactly what heavyweight boxing thrives on.

What’s Next for Dubois if the Rematch Doesn’t Happen Soon?

With Usyk vs Fury 2 on the horizon, Dubois may need to stay active to remain in contention. Options for interim fights include clashes with contenders like:

• Zhilei Zhang – A battle of heavy-hitting big men

• Filip Hrgović – A high-risk, high-reward IBF eliminator

• Joseph Parker – A test of boxing skill and experience

• Martin Bakole – Another rugged, rising contender

“I’m ready for anyone,” Dubois said. “But I want that Usyk rematch. That’s what keeps me going in the gym every day.”

Fan Support Grows for a Rematch

Despite not being a household name like Fury or Joshua, Daniel Dubois has quietly built a strong fanbase, especially among British boxing fans. His bravery in the Usyk fight—and the controversial nature of its conclusion—has only added to his appeal.

On social media, hashtags like #DuboisDeservesJustice and #UsykDubois2 have trended following his recent interviews. Fans have rallied behind the idea that boxing owes Dubois another shot.

“Usyk’s a great champion, but Dubois hit him clean and almost ended it,” one fan tweeted. “He deserves a second chance.”

Conclusion: Redemption Still Within Reach

For Daniel Dubois, the journey is far from over. While the road back to Oleksandr Usyk may be long and politically complicated, the fire inside the London-born slugger burns hotter than ever. He believes he was denied his moment of glory, and he’s working every day to earn it back.

“All I want is the chance to finish the story,” Dubois said. “Because it can’t end like that. Not with controversy. Not with doubt. I want to leave no questions this time.”

As the heavyweight division continues to evolve—with unifications, rematches, and new stars emerging—Daniel Dubois remains one of the most compelling figures in the mix. Whether or not he gets his shot in 2025, one thing is certain: Dubois won’t stop until he gets the ending he believes he’s earned.