Daniel Dubois was advised by Hearn: How to exploit Oleksandr Usyk’s weaknesses

With the heavyweight division at a boiling point, boxing fans are set for a thrilling summer showdown as Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois prepare for their rematch on July 19. The stakes couldn’t be higher—the undisputed heavyweight crown is up for grabs.

The rematch comes nearly two years after their controversial 2023 bout, which saw Usyk emerge victorious via stoppage. However, the shadow of controversy has lingered, and Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn believes the tables could turn this time around—if Dubois targets Usyk’s hidden weakness.

The 2023 Controversy: A “Low Blow” or Fight-Changing Body Shot?

In their first clash, Oleksandr Usyk retained his belts after stopping Dubois in the ninth round. But the fight wasn’t without controversy. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a punch that sent Usyk to the canvas—a potential turning point. However, referee Luis Pabon ruled it a low blow, allowing Usyk time to recover.

The decision divided the boxing world. Some experts and fans believed the shot was borderline legal, aimed at the beltline. Others maintained it was clearly low. Replay footage showed the punch landing just below Usyk’s navel—not square on the groin.

“That low blow didn’t hit him in the nuts,” said Eddie Hearn in a recent DAZN interview. “It hit him in the lower part of the stomach. If it was two or three inches higher, I think the fight would have been over and Daniel Dubois would be the world champion.”

That single moment still haunts Dubois’ team and fuels his desire for redemption.

Eddie Hearn: “Usyk Doesn’t Like It to the Body”

In analyzing the upcoming rematch, Hearn has made a bold tactical suggestion—Dubois must go to the body.

“Usyk doesn’t like it to the body,” Hearn said. “That was one incident, but you could tell from his reaction. He felt it. It rattled him. Dubois has the power to make it count.”

It’s a rare and pointed critique of Usyk, who is usually considered technically flawless and mentally unshakable. But Hearn believes there’s a small chink in the Ukrainian armor—and Dubois might be the man to expose it.

Oleksandr Usyk: The Maestro With Momentum

Since their last meeting, Oleksandr Usyk has done nothing but extend his legend. He handed Tyson Fury back-to-back defeats, proving that his size disadvantage means little against the division’s giants. Usyk’s unique blend of footwork, timing, angles, and stamina has made him nearly untouchable in the ring.

His record stands at a perfect 23-0, with 14 knockouts, and victories over some of the best names across both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Usyk’s mental strength, focus, and ability to adapt mid-fight are among his greatest assets.

“He’s a chess player in a world of brawlers,” said boxing analyst Andre Ward. “He beats you with intelligence as much as with fists.”

Still, Usyk’s aversion to body punishment might be the one tactical weakness that fighters haven’t fully exploited.

Daniel Dubois: A New Beast Since the First Loss

Few fighters have undergone a transformation as stark as Daniel Dubois since his 2023 defeat.

Back then, critics accused him of “quitting” after being peppered by Usyk’s relentless jabs and pressure. Even Eddie Hearn addressed this perceived flaw.

“Usyk stopped him last time with not a lot of artillery,” said Hearn. “It was a peppering, and then Dubois kind of quit in the fight. I don’t think that quit exists there anymore, and that makes him dangerous.”

Since then, Dubois has been on a warpath. He racked up three knockout wins—over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and most recently, Anthony Joshua, in a stunning upset. That victory over AJ catapulted him back into heavyweight relevance.

With 22 wins, 21 by knockout, and only two losses, Dubois is entering the rematch with momentum, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Strategic Breakdown: Can Dubois Really Exploit Usyk’s Weakness?

Targeting the body might sound simple, but executing it against a master like Usyk is an entirely different task.

✅ Advantages for Dubois:

• Power: Arguably one of the hardest hitters in the division.

• Youth & Size: Bigger and stronger than Usyk, with a better understanding of what to expect this time.

• Aggressive Style: Pressure and body attacks early could slow Usyk’s movement.

❌ Challenges Dubois Faces:

• Usyk’s footwork: He rarely stands still long enough to be cornered or body-shotted repeatedly.

• Ring IQ: Usyk adjusts quickly and doesn’t fall for the same trick twice.

• Endurance & Volume: Dubois will need to maintain a high pace for 12 rounds—something he hasn’t consistently shown.

If Dubois is to win, he must take calculated risks, cut off the ring, and invest in the body from the opening bell.

Could This Fight Define the Future of the Heavyweight Division?

While Usyk’s back-to-back wins over Tyson Fury have placed him atop the heavyweight food chain, there’s still one final chapter to be written: undisputed supremacy.

A win for Usyk would solidify his legacy alongside the all-time greats. But a win for Dubois would shake the division to its core and open the door to massive matchups with the likes of Fury, Joshua (again), Zhilei Zhang, or even Deontay Wilder.

“This is a generational turning point,” said Sky Sports commentator Adam Smith. “Usyk is already a legend. Dubois is trying to become one.”

What’s at Stake: Legacy, Redemption, and Glory

The rematch on July 19 is more than just a fight—it’s a battle of ideologies.

• Usyk represents technical mastery, patience, and undefeated brilliance.

• Dubois embodies raw power, redemption, and youthful resurgence.

A win for Usyk means retirement discussions begin—he could leave as undisputed champion, unbeaten, with victories over the best of two divisions.

A win for Dubois redeems his past losses, particularly the accusations of quitting, and establishes him as the new face of heavyweight boxing.

Fan Reactions: Anticipation Building Across Social Media

The announcement of the rematch has reignited debates across Twitter, Reddit, and boxing forums:

• “If Dubois goes to the body early, this could be a shocker,” tweeted one fan.

• “Usyk’s going to dance around him again. He’s just too good,” another replied.

Meanwhile, British fans are rallying behind Dubois, eager for a homegrown heavyweight champion in the post-Joshua/Fury era.

Prediction: Will Body Shots Be the Difference?

If Eddie Hearn’s assessment is correct, and Usyk truly struggles with body shots, then Daniel Dubois must treat every round like it’s a war zone to the midsection.

But the question remains: Can he sustain the pressure long enough without being picked apart?

Usyk, ever the ring general, will likely anticipate this strategy and adapt with counters and movement. But if Dubois can land clean and consistently to the body, he could break down the Ukrainian late.

Final Thoughts: The Heavyweight Division’s Summer Inferno

With the world watching, July 19 could rewrite boxing’s heavyweight history. Oleksandr Usyk wants to cap off his illustrious career with total domination. Daniel Dubois wants redemption—and a crown that once slipped through his fingers.

“It’s do or die,” said Dubois in a pre-fight interview. “Last time, I hesitated. This time, I won’t.”

Only one man will leave the ring as the undisputed king. And if Eddie Hearn is right, the path to glory for Daniel Dubois lies in every punch to the body.