“Undisputed”: Oleksandr Usyk On Career Goals And Facing Daniel Dubois
Ukraine’s unified heavyweight world champion, Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs), will defend his titles against England’s Daniel Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław, Poland. The bout will mark the second defense of his belts having claimed them from Anthony Joshua in 2021 and successfully defending them in a 2022 rematch. In the days leading of up to the clash, Usyk spoke with Dev Saini and discussed a number of topics, Among them were his thoughts on Dubois and what he considers to be his remaining goals.
Usyk on clash with Dubois
“I treat Dubois with respect and honour,” said Usyk with promoter Alexander Krassyuk translating. “Some people on the internet are underestimating him, but not me. I treat him with respect like all of my opponents.”
“He is the contender. I have to face him. If he is nominated to be my opponent, then I have to go through him. I will never run away from anyone or justify a reason to not fight them.”
“I didn’t see much in the beginning [of Dubois’ career]…I forget which moment I did watch him and follow his career. I realized that at some point I would have to face this guy.”
Hear Dan Rafael and T.J. Rives preview Usyk vs. Dubois off the “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking play below,
Remaining career goals
Towards the end of the interview, Usyk spoke on his remaining goals in boxing.
“Undisputed,” came the reply from the man who also held that distinction at cruiserweight.
At the moment, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury holds the remaining title in the division. Although there have been many discussions in a bid to have both men clash in the ring, issues have persisted in getting the fight across the line. At the moment, Fury is to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 28. Whether a clash between Fury and Usyk will be revisited following Fury-Ngannou remains to be seen. If so, it may not take place until sometime in early 2024.
Usyk also spoke about potentially remaining in the sport as a trainer. A two-time Olympian and 2012 gold medalist himself, Usyk envisions himself training boxers to become Olympic champions in the future. Now 36, it may not be long before boxing fans see him taking upon new responsibilities in the sport.
Usyk-Dubois will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ as a special one-fight broadcast starting at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Ring walks will take place shortly thereafter.
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
