Tony Bellew Dramatic Prediction: Oleksandr Usyk Will Knock Out Daniel Dubois 2 with a Stoppage

When former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew makes a prediction, the boxing world pays attention. Known for his sharp analysis and fearless commentary, Bellew doesn’t sugarcoat his opinions. So when he recently declared that Oleksandr Usyk will stop Daniel Dubois in their rematch, fans and analysts alike leaned in. Bellew’s dramatic forecast didn’t just suggest a win for Usyk—it hinted at a brutal knockout, a conclusive end that could shape the future of the heavyweight division.

Usyk vs. Dubois 2 has quickly become one of the most anticipated rematches in recent memory. Their first encounter in 2023 ended in controversy and debate, with Dubois scoring what many believed to be a legitimate body shot knockdown that was ruled low by the referee. Usyk would go on to win by stoppage in the ninth round, but the debate over that fifth-round sequence never truly died. Now, with the rematch on the horizon, tensions are running high—and Bellew’s fiery prediction has only poured gasoline on the fire.

In this article, we dive deep into Bellew’s knockout prediction, Usyk’s technical brilliance, and the evolving strengths of Dubois. Could Usyk truly stop Dubois again, this time without controversy? Or is Dubois now stronger, smarter, and more dangerous than ever before?

Tony Bellew believes Oleksandr Usyk’s IQ will break down Dubois

Tony Bellew isn’t just a former fighter—he’s a man who has stood in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk. In 2018, Bellew faced the Ukrainian master and experienced firsthand the calculated destruction that Usyk can unleash. It’s no surprise then that Bellew has immense respect for the reigning unified heavyweight champion.

In a recent interview, Bellew made it clear: “Usyk will stop Dubois again, and this time it’ll be even more decisive.” He highlighted Usyk’s incredible boxing IQ, movement, and ability to make mid-fight adjustments as key reasons why he expects a knockout win in the rematch.

“Usyk is not just a fighter. He’s a chess player in there,” Bellew said. “He figures you out round by round. Dubois had his moment in the first fight, but he won’t get a second one.”

Bellew emphasized that Usyk’s southpaw stance, combined with his footwork and feints, presents a nightmare for heavyweights who rely on power more than precision. According to Bellew, Dubois’ best chance came in their first bout, when he was still a bit of an unknown quantity to Usyk. Now, with a full fight’s worth of data and experience, Usyk has all the tools to dismantle him.

Bellew also addressed the controversial fifth-round body shot, saying that while the punch “looked legal,” it ultimately doesn’t change the outcome. “Even if that had been scored a knockdown, Usyk gets up. He’s too mentally strong. And once he recovers, he breaks Dubois down again.”

The prediction is bold, but it’s grounded in Bellew’s deep knowledge of the sweet science. His insights suggest that the real story of the rematch won’t be controversy or scorecards—it will be Usyk’s strategic domination and clinical finish.

Oleksandr Usyk’s technical brilliance could be too much to handle

One of the reasons Tony Bellew and many others back Usyk in this rematch is his near-flawless technical ability. While many heavyweights rely on brute force and knockout power, Usyk dissects opponents with angles, pace control, and intelligent shot selection. Against Dubois the first time, he used those tools to not only avoid damage but to systematically wear down his challenger.

In their 2023 bout, Usyk controlled the ring from the opening bell. Despite absorbing a questionable body shot in the fifth round, he remained composed. By round nine, he had taken over the fight completely, landing clean combinations and forcing Dubois to wilt under the pressure.

Now heading into their second clash, Usyk has the advantage of knowing Dubois’ style intimately. He understands his timing, his power, and most importantly, his weaknesses. This is where Usyk becomes dangerous—not just as a fighter, but as a tactician.

Usyk’s stamina, footwork, and mental endurance give him an edge that very few heavyweights can match. Where Dubois may look to land a single decisive blow, Usyk can throw 50 punches a round, mix head and body shots, and remain defensively sound throughout. He’s the type of fighter who drowns opponents in data and movement, making them question every decision.

For Dubois to survive—and win—he’ll need to do more than just land power shots. He’ll have to solve the puzzle of a fighter who seems to always be three moves ahead. And if Bellew is right, that’s a challenge Dubois is unlikely to overcome.

Add to this Usyk’s mental resilience. Whether it was rising from the canvas against Bellew, shrugging off body shots from Dubois, or going the distance with Anthony Joshua twice, Usyk has proven that pressure doesn’t break him—it sharpens him. That’s a terrifying thought for anyone standing in the opposite corner.

Daniel Dubois’ revenge mission: Can power rewrite history?

For all of Usyk’s brilliance, the rematch isn’t a foregone conclusion. Daniel Dubois has undergone major changes since the first fight—physically, tactically, and mentally. And this time, he’s coming in with a chip on his shoulder, determined to rewrite his legacy.

After losing to Usyk in 2023, Dubois took the criticism hard. Some questioned his heart. Others questioned his technical ability. But to his credit, he didn’t retreat—he reloaded. Training under a new team, working on his conditioning and footwork, and adjusting his approach to southpaw opponents, Dubois looks like a fighter reborn.

His knockout power remains elite, with one-punch potential in both hands. But more importantly, Dubois has shown better patience in recent outings—no longer rushing forward recklessly but instead setting traps, working behind a jab, and managing distance. That evolution could be the key to avoiding Usyk’s rhythm and landing meaningful blows early.

Still, the path to victory for Dubois is narrow. He’ll need to start fast, land heavy, and hurt Usyk before the Ukrainian settles into his rhythm. In their first fight, Dubois’ best moment came in round five. If he can recreate that moment—without the controversy—and follow it up with sustained pressure, the rematch could play out very differently.

Dubois’ confidence in the rematch is evident. “This time, I’ll leave no doubt,” he said in a recent press conference. “I’ve worked too hard to come up short again. I’m not just coming to fight—I’m coming to finish.”

What Bellew’s prediction means for the heavyweight division

Tony Bellew’s bold call doesn’t just add heat to the rematch—it raises the stakes for the entire heavyweight division. If Usyk does secure another knockout win over Dubois, it would likely position him for an undisputed title clash with Tyson Fury (or a rematch if that bout has already taken place by then). It also sends a strong message that Usyk remains the most complete heavyweight in the world—a fighter who can outthink and outfight anyone.

On the flip side, if Dubois pulls off the upset, especially by knockout, it could turn the division upside down. Suddenly, a fighter once dismissed as a glass-jawed brawler would be holding belts and forcing Fury, Joshua, and others to take notice.

Bellew’s prediction therefore becomes more than just a talking point—it’s a lens through which fans and pundits can view the high-stakes narrative surrounding this rematch. It’s about more than Usyk and Dubois. It’s about legacy, championship hierarchy, and who truly belongs at the top of boxing’s most storied division.

Conclusion: A stoppage or a shock?

Tony Bellew has made his call: Oleksandr Usyk will stop Daniel Dubois, decisively and without controversy. His reasoning is rooted in firsthand experience and expert analysis. And while Bellew may be known for his bold takes, few would argue that Usyk doesn’t have the tools to fulfill that prediction.

Still, boxing is the theater of the unexpected. Dubois, motivated and transformed, represents the kind of danger that can end a fight in one moment. For all of Usyk’s mastery, it only takes a second of vulnerability for everything to change.

Whether Bellew’s dramatic prediction proves prophetic or premature, one thing is certain: Usyk vs. Dubois 2 is set to deliver fireworks. And when the bell rings, fans around the world will watch closely—not just to see who wins, but to witness whether Tony Bellew’s knockout prophecy becomes unforgettable truth.