Dubois boldly stated: ‘I know Usyk’s weakness – and I will target it!’

The heavyweight division is once again on fire, and at the center of the storm is a bold declaration from Daniel Dubois, one of Britain’s most powerful punchers. With the boxing world still buzzing from Oleksandr Usyk’s historic victory over Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era, many assume that no one can stop the Ukrainian master technician.

But Dubois disagrees — and he’s not just talking.

In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, Daniel Dubois boldly proclaimed:

“I know Usyk’s weakness – and I will target it!”

Is this confidence or calculated strategy? Either way, the world is watching as Daniel Dubois calls for a rematch with the now-undisputed king, Oleksandr Usyk, and he’s not backing down.

A Controversial First Encounter: Dubois vs Usyk I

Back in August 2023, Dubois faced Oleksandr Usyk in Poland. It was his first real shot at heavyweight glory — a chance to capture the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts and silence his critics. The outcome? A 9th-round stoppage loss.

But the bout was anything but clear-cut.

In Round 5, Dubois landed a hard body shot that sent Usyk to the canvas. Referee Luis Pabon immediately ruled it a low blow, giving Usyk time to recover. The Ukrainian champion used the break, regrouped, and came back to stop Dubois in the ninth.

Ever since that night, controversy has lingered over the legitimacy of that body shot. Dubois, his team, and many fans argue it was a legal punch and that the fight should have gone in his favor.

“That shot was clean,” Dubois said. “I know where I landed, and Usyk knows it too. He felt it. That’s his weakness – the body. And I’m going to break him down again.”

The Body Is the Key: Dubois’s Strategic Revelation

What makes Dubois’s statement so compelling is that he’s not making vague threats. He’s specific. He believes he’s identified Usyk’s one true vulnerability — his body durability.

Usyk is a defensive wizard, with elite footwork, head movement, and boxing IQ. But against Chazz Witherspoon, Derek Chisora, and even Tyson Fury, there were moments when body shots seemed to slow him down.

And Dubois is taking notes.

“Everyone is so focused on his footwork and angles. But the body doesn’t lie,” Dubois explained. “He’s human, and when I hit him there, I saw it in his eyes — he was in pain.”

If true, this strategy could be revolutionary. While many heavyweights try to outbox Usyk — a near-impossible task — Dubois is planning a seek-and-destroy mission targeting the midsection.

Can Dubois Actually Hurt Usyk?

Despite the controversy from their first bout, some analysts argue that Dubois had success most fighters could only dream of. He landed more punches than expected and managed to floor Usyk — albeit ruled a low blow.

Now, having bounced back with a brutal KO victory over Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and a destructive win over Filip Hrgović on the Fury vs Usyk II undercard, Dubois believes he’s better prepared — physically and mentally.

“I’ve matured. That first Usyk fight taught me everything I needed to know. The next one will be different.”

And it’s hard to ignore Dubois’s evolution. Once labeled “mentally fragile” after his quit-against-Joe-Joyce moment, he’s become one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the division.

His record?

• 22 wins

• 21 by knockout

• and an ever-growing aura of menace.

Dubois is no longer the “prospect with power.” He’s now a genuine contender with a chip on his shoulder.

Usyk Responds: “Let Him Try”

Never one to flinch, Oleksandr Usyk responded to Dubois’s claims in typical calm, composed fashion.

“Let him try,” Usyk said with a grin. “They all say they know the way. But when the time comes, the truth appears.”

The Ukrainian champion is undefeated (22-0) and has defeated every type of opponent: power punchers, giants, pressure fighters, and elite boxers. From Tony Bellew to Anthony Joshua to Tyson Fury, he’s dismantled them all.

Usyk’s ability to adapt and take over fights in the second half is what separates him from the pack. But does he have a body vulnerability Dubois can exploit?

“I’m not invincible,” Usyk admitted recently. “But I am ready. Always.”

Why Dubois vs Usyk II Is More Realistic Than You Think

With Tyson Fury activating the trilogy clause, Usyk is expected to rematch the Gypsy King later this year. However, Dubois’s devastating victory over Hrgović — handing the Croatian his first loss — made him the IBF interim champion.

And with the IBF threatening to strip Usyk of the belt if he fights Fury again, Dubois could soon be elevated to full IBF champion status.

That means one thing:
A Dubois vs Usyk II title unification bout could be inevitable in 2025.

Whether for the full belt or as part of a larger heavyweight tournament in Saudi Arabia, the buzz around this rematch is building. Promoters know there’s unfinished business. Fans want answers about that body shot. And Dubois wants revenge.

Expert Opinions: Can Dubois Really Win?

The boxing world is split.

Supporters of Dubois say:

• His power is real, and he almost changed the course of history with one shot.

• He’s younger, stronger, and more confident now.

• Usyk’s age (37) and wars with Joshua and Fury may finally catch up to him.

Skeptics say:

• Usyk’s movement and stamina are levels above Dubois’s.

• He’ll adjust again and break Dubois down like last time.

• The “weakness” Dubois sees is wishful thinking.

“You can’t beat Usyk with one punch,” said former world champion Carl Froch. “You need a game plan, stamina, and discipline for 12 rounds. I’m not sure Dubois has that yet.”

But former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis disagrees:

“Every man has a weakness, and if Dubois truly believes he’s found it, that confidence alone could be dangerous.”

The War of Words Begins

In the days following his callout, Dubois has doubled down on his message.

“Usyk’s not a god. He bleeds, he gets tired, and he hurts. I saw it. The next time, he won’t survive.”

He also hinted at a potential training camp move to the U.S., working with trainers who specialize in body punching and pressure fighting.

Meanwhile, Usyk, the ever-stoic tactician, continues to train in silence, issuing only calm warnings through social media, always accompanied by his signature wink and smile.

Prediction: Can Dubois Flip the Script?

The potential for Dubois vs Usyk II now feels real — and this time, the stakes will be even higher.

• Can Daniel Dubois execute his plan and become the first man to legitimately stop Usyk?

• Or will Usyk once again prove why he’s the most complete fighter in boxing today?

Early Prediction: If Dubois gets the rematch, expect him to come out fast and aggressive. If he lands clean to the body again — and it’s ruled legal — we could witness a seismic shock.
But if Usyk survives the early rounds, expect another masterclass from the Ukrainian legend.

Final Thoughts

Daniel Dubois isn’t just chasing redemption — he’s chasing greatness. And by boldly declaring, “I know Usyk’s weakness – and I will target it!”, he’s turned up the pressure on the reigning champion in a way no one else has dared.

The heavyweight division is filled with giants, but sometimes, belief becomes the most powerful weapon of all.

And Dubois?
He believes the body holds the key.
Now we wait to see if he can unlock the door to greatness — or fall once more trying.