OLEKSANDR Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas has named IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois as a single person of interest if and when their man defeats Tyson Fury on December 21. Of course, getting past Fury in the rematch is a sizeable task in itself, but the fizzing confidence within Team Usyk means considerations for a post-Fury period are already being made.
“When Oleksandr beats Tyson for the second time, there will be no more interesting boxers left in his weight category, except for Daniel Dubois. He is the IBF title holder. Many people still remember the first fight and that controversial blow. It would be a perfect rematch, a fight for the title of absolute world champion,” Klimas told the Champion website.
Usyk defeated Dubois by ninth-round knockout in August 2023. However, as Klimas mentions, there are some factors to consider around a possible rematch. Firstly, the low blow controversy erupted following a contentious shot landed by Dubois in the early rounds, which had Usyk reeling for several minutes.
Secondly, Dubois has since gone on to string together a quality run of wins, including a Wembley Stadium headline knockout of Anthony Joshua that garnered ‘DDD’ the IBF title and showed that he has matured enough to handle the big names on the big stage.
Another decision that Usyk will have to take, win, lose or draw to Fury, is where the 37-year-old’s inevitable retirement fits in. As an undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion, there is pretty much nothing left for him to achieve if he defeats Fury for a second time. A draw leaves things in stasis, while a loss creates an enticing trilogy opportunity. It is inconceivable that he would hang up the gloves if Fury were to beat him.