Oleksandr Usyk, preparing to do damage to kickboxer Rico Vernhoeven in Egypt this weekend, has questioned the tactics of both Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley following their gruelling slugfest.
The 28-year-old Dubois claimed the WBO heavyweight title in the 11th round on May 9 in Manchester, England. The contest has subsequently, and widely, been regarded as one of the best of the current heavyweight era.
Usyk, who holds two wins over Dubois and the WBC, IBF and WBO heavyweight belts, was entertained but not necessarily impressed.
The Ukrainian, 24-0 (15 KOs), has all but cleaned up the heavyweight division after doing the same at cruiserweight. Dubois, by virtue of his thrilling win over Wardley, is likely the future hall-of-famer’s closest rival in the heavyweight ranks.
Dubois, who lost in nine rounds to Usyk in 2023 and five rounds two years later, emerged from two early knockdowns to eventually bludgeon the resistance from Wardley, a beyond-sturdy rival.
“It’s a street fight,” Usyk said of the enthralling battle.
“Congratulations, Dubois, good job, new champion. But Fabio, where is the jab? Fabio, where?
“Never jabbed. Maybe once. Only right hand, only right hand, it’s not working.
“Very strong chin but I think it’s a street fight. It’s a problem for both guys, brain and health.”
![Rico Verhoeven [right] clouts Oleksandr Usyk in Egypt on May 23, 2026](https://photo.boxingscene.com/uploads/Oleksandr-Usyk-Rico-Verhoeven-20.webp)
