What makes Dubois believe that this time Usyk won’t be able to get up?

Daniel Dubois is not just training harder. He’s thinking differently. In the lead-up to his highly anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, the British heavyweight has confidently stated that this time, “Usyk won’t get up.” That’s not just trash talk—it’s a signal that Dubois believes the script is about to flip in brutal fashion.

So, what exactly makes Dubois believe he can knock out Usyk and keep him down in their second showdown for the undisputed heavyweight title? Let’s break it down.

1. The First Fight: “I Dropped Him Once, and I Can Do It Again”

In their first encounter in 2023, Dubois landed a controversial body shot in the fifth round that dropped Usyk to the canvas. The referee ruled it a low blow, and Usyk was granted time to recover.

To this day, Dubois and his team insist the shot was legal—and if it had been counted as a knockdown, the entire fight could have shifted.

“I hurt him,” Dubois said in a recent interview. “That wasn’t a low blow. He stayed down. I know I can land clean again, and this time, he won’t get up.”

The psychological impact of that moment is massive. Dubois knows he touched Usyk in a way few fighters ever have. That alone gives him confidence.

2. Newfound Physique, Newfound Confidence

In recent weeks, fans and analysts have been stunned by Dubois’s physical transformation. He’s visibly bigger, more ripped, and faster on the heavy bag than ever before.

This isn’t just about aesthetics. His new body reflects months of discipline, improved strength, and a fresh commitment to cardio and explosiveness. Sparring partners have reportedly been unable to handle the intensity of his sessions.

“This is the strongest, fastest version of Daniel we’ve ever seen,” said a source from his camp. “He’s hitting like a truck.”

For a heavyweight whose greatest weapon is power, Dubois believes this physical prime means Usyk simply won’t be able to absorb the same punishment again.

3. Tactical Overhaul and Smarter Pressure

In their first fight, Dubois was tentative and reactive at times, allowing Usyk to dictate the rhythm. This time, he says, the blueprint is different.

“I gave him too much respect. That won’t happen again,” Dubois admitted. “I’m going in there to control the fight. I know what I need to do—cut off the ring, jab to the body, and force the fight.”

Dubois has been working with elite trainers to improve his footwork and ring IQ, knowing that hunting a slick southpaw like Usyk requires more than brute strength.

This time, he’s not looking to land one perfect shot. He’s aiming to break Usyk down over six rounds, with focused aggression and improved body targeting.

4. Mental Maturity from Past Defeats

Dubois’ journey hasn’t been smooth. A devastating loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, followed by criticism for taking a knee and being labeled a quitter, forced him to confront the psychological side of boxing early.

Then came the Usyk loss, filled with controversy and disappointment.

But rather than unravel, Dubois used these moments to grow. He’s now 26, mentally hardened, and fighting with the quiet fire of a man who has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“You learn more from your losses than your wins,” Dubois said. “I’ve been through hell in this sport, and I’m still standing. Now I’m coming to make someone else fall.”

5. Fighting at Home: Wembley Roar Will Fuel the Beast

The rematch takes place at Wembley Stadium, in front of more than 90,000 fans—many of them firmly behind the British challenger.

That energy matters.

Dubois is not only preparing to fight better—he’s preparing to perform. The stakes of fighting for the undisputed heavyweight crown in London have unlocked a level of urgency and focus that may never have existed before.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime night,” he said. “Wembley. Undisputed. Against one of the best. I’m not letting this slip.”

He’s visualizing the roar of the crowd, the knockdown, the referee’s count, and the victory.

6. He Sees Usyk Slowing Down

Dubois and his camp believe that Usyk, now 37, is beginning to show signs of slowing down. While still undefeated and respected as a technical wizard, the Ukrainian fighter has had a grueling schedule—two wars with Joshua, the Dubois fight, and media obligations.

And, let’s not forget: Usyk was hurt against Dubois. That fact is not being ignored.

“He’s not the same guy from cruiserweight,” a Dubois coach stated. “He’s taken shots. He’s been pushed. And now he’s fighting a monster who knows how to get to him.”

Dubois doesn’t need to win 12 rounds. He needs one clear window.

7. A Ruthless, Single-Minded Goal

Daniel Dubois has reduced his mindset to one goal: make Usyk stay down.

No distractions. No complicated strategies. Just violent simplicity—hit hard, hit often, and finish the job.

“He got up last time. This time, he won’t,” Dubois repeated.

It’s a chilling promise. But not an empty one.

Conclusion: The Calm Before the Carnage

There’s no denying Oleksandr Usyk is still the favorite—undefeated, crafty, and supremely conditioned. But Dubois is not the same fighter who walked into the ring last year.

Now, he’s physically transformed, mentally focused, and deeply motivated by the chance to become undisputed heavyweight champion in front of his home crowd.

What makes Dubois believe Usyk won’t get up this time?

It’s not just the power. It’s the conviction behind the punch.

And when a heavyweight believes—truly believes—that he can end a fight with one shot, anything can happen.