By: Sean Crose
Let’s face it, this weekend’s heavyweight title combat between WBA, WBO, and IBF champ Oleksandr Usyk and necessary contender Daniel Dubois is being considered as one thing of an afterthought. And, frankly, that’s comprehensible. Usyk is a strolling, speaking ability set, in any case. Anthony Joshua, regardless of what some might say, is completely no joke, and Usyk has defeated him twice. The Ukrainian additionally received his heavyweight titles after being the undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world. Dubois, however, was knocked out by Joe Joyce again in 2020. The undeniable fact that Joyce went on to be defeated by Zhilei Zhang final April doesn’t do Dubois’ status any favors, both.
Yet writing off a fighter as a result of a single loss is ridiculous. The greatest who ever practiced the commerce had been defeated at instances. There’s cause to query Dubois’ probabilities towards Usyk this Saturday in Poland for different causes outdoors of a lone defeat, nonetheless. Although he’s larger than Usyk, Dubois should discover a solution to keep away from being distracted by Usyk’s jab. That jab, mixed with common and efficient head motion, proved to be an excessive amount of Joshua (together with arguably each different earlier opponent Usyk has confronted). Can Dubois, who hasn’t battled the likes of Andy Ruiz and Waldimir Klistschko, as Usyk has, discover a solution to do what others haven’t? It’s somewhat troublesome to think about, as Dubois doesn’t have unbelievable hand pace.
It’s straightforward to neglect that Dubois has some efficient instruments in his device field, although, instruments that shouldn’t be ignored. For starters, the Englishman can make use of stress successfully. He’s a busy fighter too, which suggests his opponents should at all times keep alert, for Dubois can finish the evening early. Sure sufficient, Dubois has severe punching energy. On high of that he can put his punches collectively fluidly. What’s extra, Dubois’ physique work could be very spectacular. Bottom line – the man has the facility to finish issues early.
The query, after all, is whether or not or not he’ll be capable of use that energy successfully towards Usyk. Most are guessing not, however that is boxing, a sport the place just about something can occur. Usyk has loads on his thoughts, in any case. His nation is at battle with Russia and a superfight with Tyson Fury has but to occur. He’s going to wish to ensure that he’s zeroed in on Dubois if he doesn’t wish to be shocked this weekend. Lastly, there’s the query of age. Usyk, terrific although he’s, occurs to be nearer to forty than he’s to thirty. He’s on the age the place some signal of slippage wouldn’t be solely stunning.
So no, a Usyk victory isn’t assured on Saturday. Dubois higher combat the combat of his life, nonetheless, if he desires to win. He additionally would possibly wish to hope he doesn’t face the identical Usyk who has twice bested Joshua.
*Image: Queensbury Promotions
