“I will take down Usyk in 5 rounds” – Dubois vows not to let the fight drag on

Daniel Dubois has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, boldly claiming that he will end the fight within five rounds. In a charged statement that has electrified the boxing world, the British heavyweight contender made it clear: this time, he’s not leaving anything to the judges.

“I will take down Usyk in five rounds,” Dubois told reporters with steely determination. “I’m not letting it go the distance. I’ve learned from the first fight. I know what needs to be done, and this time, I’ll execute.”

Dubois Seeks Redemption After Controversial First Encounter

The two fighters last met in August 2023 in Wroclaw, Poland. Usyk retained his unified heavyweight titles with a ninth-round stoppage, but the bout was not without controversy. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a body shot that appeared to hurt Usyk badly. However, the referee ruled it a low blow, giving Usyk time to recover. That moment remains a lightning rod of debate in the boxing world.

Many believe Dubois should have been awarded a knockdown—or even a technical knockout—had the punch been ruled legal. Instead, Usyk took over the fight afterward, slowly breaking down the younger fighter until a flurry of shots ended the bout in the ninth round.

That moment continues to haunt Dubois. “I had him. I know I did. That punch was clean. But I didn’t protest—I just kept fighting. That was my mistake,” Dubois reflected. “Now, I won’t leave room for interpretation.”

Training with Vengeance

Since the loss, Dubois has reinvented himself. After parting ways with trainer Shane McGuigan, he began working with veteran coach Don Charles, who has reshaped Dubois’s mental and physical approach.

“He’s more focused, more violent, and more determined than ever,” Charles said. “We’re not coming to box—we’re coming to destroy. The only way to beat Usyk is to break him early, and that’s exactly what Daniel intends to do.”

Dubois has been training in high-altitude environments, simulating fight-night conditions. His camp reports that he’s sparring 12 rounds with fresh opponents every three minutes to build both endurance and power. “We’re preparing for war,” Charles added. “Daniel is not only in the best shape of his life physically, but also mentally. He’s completely locked in.”

Nutritionists and strength coaches have also been brought into the fold to help Dubois maximize his explosive power while maintaining stamina. His knockout power has always been his calling card, but in the rematch, he intends to use it with more strategic precision.

Usyk Responds: Calm and Calculated

As expected, Oleksandr Usyk has kept a calm demeanor in response to Dubois’s fiery declaration. “Words are wind,” Usyk said with a smile. “Let him speak. I will speak in the ring.”

Usyk, known for his footwork, angles, and adaptability, isn’t dismissing Dubois’s improvements but remains confident in his own skills. “Every fight is different. Every challenge is new. But I know who I am, and I know what I’ve done. I’m ready.”

Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, echoed that sentiment: “We respect Dubois, but Oleksandr is not just a champion—he’s a master. He’ll show that again.”

Usyk, the undisputed cruiserweight champion and current unified heavyweight champion, is revered for his intelligence inside the ring. He has defeated some of the biggest names in boxing, including Anthony Joshua—twice—cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time great tacticians.

Tensions Boiling Ahead of Rematch

With the rematch scheduled for later this year, likely in Saudi Arabia, anticipation is building rapidly. The pre-fight narrative has centered around Dubois’s transformation and Usyk’s consistency, making it one of the most intriguing heavyweight matchups in recent memory.

Fans are divided. Some believe Dubois has the raw power to shock the Ukrainian, while others see Usyk’s experience and skill as too much for Dubois to overcome.

Promoters expect the fight to be one of the highest-grossing events of the year. “This is a clash of styles and mentalities,” said Frank Warren, Dubois’s promoter. “And that always makes for fireworks.”

The rematch is expected to headline a global boxing card, likely broadcast on multiple pay-per-view platforms. Sponsorship and media rights are already sparking a bidding war, as broadcasters see the value in one of boxing’s most emotionally charged rivalries.

Betting Odds and Predictions

As of now, bookmakers have Usyk as the slight favorite, though the gap is narrowing due to Dubois’s bold comments and improved performance in recent fights. Since their first bout, Dubois has notched two knockout wins, both in the early rounds, showcasing his renewed ferocity.

Boxing insiders are hedging their predictions. “Dubois looks better, but Usyk has dealt with giants before,” said former champion David Haye. “But if Daniel truly commits and makes it a dogfight early, anything can happen.”

Haye also cautioned against underestimating Usyk’s resilience. “People forget Usyk was hurt in the Joshua fight too, but he came back even stronger. He’s been tested and passed with flying colors.”

Legacy on the Line

For Dubois, this fight is about more than belts. It’s about redemption, respect, and legacy. A win would not only crown him a world champion but would also silence critics who questioned his mental fortitude after previous setbacks.

“This is my moment,” Dubois affirmed. “This time, no doubts. No excuses. I’m walking in there to finish the job.”

Meanwhile, for Usyk, this is a defense of everything he’s built — a lifetime of achievement across cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. Beating Dubois again would cement his standing as one of the best of his generation.

“Greatness isn’t in one victory,” Usyk said. “It’s in how you handle every challenge, every threat. Dubois is strong, but I am stronger in mind.”

Boxing historian Tris Dixon said the fight could become a defining moment in heavyweight history. “If Dubois pulls off the upset, it’ll be one of the biggest redemption arcs in recent times. If Usyk dominates again, he further distances himself as a modern-day great.”

Psychological Warfare and Mind Games

The war of words is intensifying. Dubois has not only spoken about victory but has taken to social media with videos of intense sparring sessions, showcasing brutal knockouts of training partners. Hashtags like #UsykIsNext and #5RoundFinish have trended.

Usyk, by contrast, remains stoic. He posted a single image: a chessboard with one caption — “My move.”

Analysts see this mental duel as equally important. “Usyk thrives on being underestimated,” said trainer Andre Rozier. “But Dubois is finally embracing the psychological side of boxing. That’s dangerous.”

The Countdown Begins

As training camps intensify and press conferences loom, the world waits. Will Dubois deliver on his promise and take Usyk down within five rounds? Or will the Ukrainian tactician once again prove too elusive, too smart, and too tough?

One thing is certain: when the bell rings, there will be no hiding, no talking — just fists, strategy, and the raw essence of heavyweight boxing.

Whether it ends in five rounds or goes the distance, boxing fans are in for a classic. The pressure is on, the stakes are massive, and the fighters are locked in. The only question is—who will rise, and who will fall?