Will Daniel Dubois’ Bold Provocation Calling Usyk a “One-Trick Pony” Backfire When They Step Into the Ring Again in 2025?

As the countdown to one of 2025’s most highly anticipated heavyweight rematches begins, tensions are already running high. In a bold and unexpected move, Daniel Dubois has labeled Oleksandr Usyk a “one-trick pony”, igniting a firestorm in the boxing world. The remark, made during the press tour leading up to their upcoming bout, was intended to shake the confidence of the reigning unified heavyweight champion. But could it have the opposite effect?

With their first clash in August 2023 ending in controversy, and a rematch now confirmed for Wembley Stadium in July 2025, Dubois’ verbal jab may either fuel his performance—or come back to haunt him when the lights shine brightest.

Usyk Is Anything But a One-Trick Pony

For Daniel Dubois to suggest that Oleksandr Usyk is predictable shows either unmatched confidence or a critical underestimation of his opponent. Since moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight, Usyk has methodically dismantled bigger, more powerful fighters with a mastery of movement, ring IQ, and composure rarely seen in the sport.

Usyk is:

• An Olympic gold medalist (London 2012)

• A former undisputed cruiserweight champion

• The current WBA, WBO, and WBC unified heavyweight champion

• A technician with elite footwork, timing, and defensive awareness

Calling such a complete fighter a “one-trick pony” is risky—especially for someone who already lost to him.

The First Fight Still Haunts Dubois

Their previous meeting in 2023 was filled with controversy. Dubois landed a body shot in Round 5 that dropped Usyk, but referee Luis Pabon ruled it a low blow, giving the Ukrainian several minutes to recover. The debate over whether the punch was legal still rages online, with fans split into two camps.

• Dubois supporters claim the shot was clean and he was robbed of a historic knockout.

• Usyk loyalists argue the punch was clearly below the belt and the result was fair.

Despite the drama, Usyk came back and finished Dubois in the ninth round, showing resilience, control, and veteran poise under pressure.

If anyone left that fight looking like a “one-trick pony,” it wasn’t the man who raised his hands in victory.

Dubois’ Verbal Attack: A Motivational Move or Strategic Misstep?

By calling Usyk a “one-trick pony,” Dubois is attempting to get into the head of the champion—something very few fighters have been able to do. It’s an age-old strategy in boxing: rattle your opponent mentally before ever throwing a punch.

But Usyk is not just experienced—he’s unshakable. His calm demeanor, dry humor, and ability to stay focused under pressure make him one of the most mentally resilient fighters in modern boxing.

• He took Anthony Joshua’s best shots—and won twice.

• He endured Tyson Fury’s mind games—and beat him in two close bouts.

• He’s carried the weight of representing Ukraine during wartime—and stayed undefeated.

So the big question is: Can a comment like “one-trick pony” actually rattle a man like Usyk?

Unlikely.

Usyk’s Response: Silence, Laughter, or Something More Dangerous

When told of Dubois’ comment, Usyk reportedly laughed it off, saying through a translator, “Let him think that. I like ponies.”

Classic Usyk. He disarms verbal attacks not with anger, but with charm. But make no mistake—beneath the jokes and smiles lies one of the most focused competitors in boxing.

Usyk doesn’t need to match Dubois word for word. He lets his fists and footwork do the talking, and his undefeated record speaks volumes. If history is any indicator, fighters who underestimate Usyk often regret it by the third round.

Why the “One-Trick Pony” Label Doesn’t Stick

Let’s examine the facts. Usyk’s perceived “one trick” is his movement—but that “trick” is a sophisticated, multi-layered skillset:

• Angle control: He constantly shifts position to take away opponents’ power punches.

• Footwork: His transitions between offense and defense are nearly seamless.

• Adaptability: He changes pace, punch variety, and strategy mid-fight depending on the opponent.

Against Anthony Joshua, Usyk used lateral movement to neutralize size. Against Tyson Fury, he stood his ground more and outboxed the bigger man at close range. Against Dubois, even after the controversial blow, he recovered, recalibrated, and closed the show.

If that’s a “one-trick pony,” it’s a thoroughbred in disguise.

Dubois Must Deliver—Or the Label Will Stick to Him

The risk of trash talk in boxing is that it raises expectations. When Dubois calls Usyk predictable, he implies he has the blueprint to beat him. If he doesn’t follow through with a performance to match the talk, he may be the one labeled a “one-dimensional fighter.”

Historically, Dubois has been known for:

• Power punching—with a KO ratio over 90%

• Aggression in the early rounds

• Struggles when fights go deep or when opponents use movement and discipline

In his first major test against Joe Joyce, he broke down after facing sustained pressure. Against Usyk, his gas tank and discipline will need to be better than ever. Because if his only trick is landing a big shot early, it might not be enough.

The Stakes Are Sky-High for Both Fighters

This isn’t just a grudge match—it’s a career-defining moment for both men.

For Daniel Dubois, a win would:

• Legitimize his claims about the first fight

• Make him a world champion

• Place him back among the top heavyweights in the world

For Oleksandr Usyk, another win would:

• Cement his dominance as the most skilled heavyweight of this era

• Add to his growing case as an all-time great

• Set up potential megafights with other top contenders like Zhilei Zhang or even a trilogy with Tyson Fury

Can Dubois Crack the Usyk Code?

Dubois will likely come into this rematch with a new strategy. Expect him to:

• Attack the body early to test Usyk’s endurance

• Cut off the ring more effectively to neutralize movement

• Take more risks—possibly pushing for an early knockout

But here’s the problem: Usyk has already seen these strategies before—and defeated them. Fighters like Chisora, Bellew, Joshua, and Fury all tried variations of the same approach. None succeeded.

To beat Usyk, Dubois will have to do what none of them could: land big, clean, legal shots repeatedly while avoiding counter-strikes and exhaustion.

Will the Mind Games Backfire? History Says Yes

Boxing history is filled with examples of trash talk going too far:

• Bernard Hopkins threw Puerto Rican flags before facing Felix Trinidad—then got beaten.

• Adrien Broner taunted Marcos Maidana—then got dropped and dominated.

• David Haye mocked Wladimir Klitschko for months—then threw 12 punches a round and lost wide.

In most cases, when a fighter insults a more focused, technical opponent, the mental games collapse under the weight of actual combat.

Unless Dubois has drastically improved since 2023, the risk of this verbal jab backfiring is extremely high.

Conclusion: Will the “One-Trick Pony” Remark Fuel Usyk’s Dominance or Spark an Upset?

Daniel Dubois has made his position clear—he sees Usyk as beatable. He believes the reigning champ relies on one main style, and he’s confident he has the solution. But if history, skill, and mindset mean anything, Oleksandr Usyk is more than ready to prove otherwise.

Calling a master technician a “one-trick pony” isn’t just an insult—it’s a challenge. And if anyone thrives on challenges, it’s Usyk.

When the bell rings at Wembley Stadium in July 2025, Dubois will have no more words—only punches. And Usyk? He’ll be prepared, steady, and as always—ready to turn doubt into domination.

Because sometimes, the only trick you need… is to win.