Tyson Fury shared his opinion on Saturday’s undisputed heavyweight title fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois to BoxingScene and other members of the British press in Turkey earlier this month, and it was in many ways all that could have been expected.
Fury was on top form during his visit, announcing his plans to return to face Usyk for a third time, when talk quickly turned to the Ukrainian’s next bout. Usyk’s opponent, Dubois, has the daunting task of trying to solve the complex puzzle at which so many of his countrymen have failed.
However, London’s Dubois is given as good a chance as any who have come before him after the miraculous run he has been on since his last defeat, in 2023, which came by the hands of the very man he will face Saturday. Dubois was criticized for taking a knee off a jab and staying down back then, but his promoter says his fighter was just a mere boy compared to now. After defeating Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua – each more violently than the previous – Warren believes Dubois is now a man and ready for the challenge ahead.
Dubois even picked up the IBF heavyweight strap during his rejuvenation, after Usyk vacated the belt to face Fury for a second time, with the Ukrainian winning on both occasions. Fury was asked if, despite seemingly having his heart set on a third crack at Usyk, he would consider a battle with countryman Dubois should he take home the undisputed titles on Saturday?
“It would be unbelievable. I think that [Frank Warren] has done a fantastic job with Daniel,” Fury replied. “He took him from an amateur boxer to a world heavyweight champion, and they call him ‘The Kingslayer’ these days. He's done really well, and I'm very happy for him.
“When he was fighting Joshua at Wembley last year, I hated to say it, but I was the only one who said Dubois would win – live on camera. And it wasn't for the fact that he was better or worse; it was just the fact that pretty much [they had] similar styles and one's a lot younger – 10 years younger.
“But if that fight did happen, then I would box the kittens out of Daniel Dubois,” Fury continued. “I'd box his two ears off, one hand tied behind my back. I think everybody knows that as well. He hasn't got quick enough reflexes. He hasn't got quick enough speed. He hasn't got quick enough feet for somebody like me. I'd knock him out and detonate him.”
Fury seemed more focused on a battle with Usyk for the undisputed titles, and the reason why quickly became apparent.
“I don't think [Dubois] will beat your man [Usyk] anyway,” Fury said. “I think [Usyk]'s a tricky old wily character and he moves his feet. We all know that if you stand in front of Daniel Dubois, he'll punch a hole in you. You move your feet around him, he’ll probably get tired and take a knee after about eight rounds with a jab.”
Should Fury and Dubois ever square off, it would not be the first time they’ve fought in a ring. The pair sparred back in 2018 when a 28-stone Fury was in the midst of launching his iconic comeback. Fury, severely overweight but still sparring one of the best prospects in the world, even forgot an item of clothing.
“I did, yeah,” Fury said of sparring Dubois. Then, with a laugh: “I’ve got a photograph on my phone of that spar, with one shoe on, one shoe off. But listen, I wish both lads all the best.”
Tom Ivers is an amateur boxer who has a masters degree in sports journalism. He had his first bout in 2013, joined BoxingScene in 2024 and is now a key part of the UK and social media teams.
