Promoter Frank Warren says Oleksandr Usyk’s presence in the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight could be a “distraction” for the former champion.
After handing Joshua two defeats before beating Tyson Fury in May to become undefeated champion, Yusik is now the leading contender for the heavyweight title.
The promise of a rematch with Fury on December 21 meant Usyk was unable to defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Dubois and had to vacate the belt. As interim titlist, Dubois was later promoted to full IBF champion.
However, Usyk will be attending the Riyadh Season: Joshua vs Dubois event at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, which will be broadcast live. Sky Sports Box Office.
Warren believes it could confuse Joshua. “Yusik will be there, Tyson (Fury) will be there, but I don’t think it’s anything for (Dubois). It could be a distraction for AJ, because he’s beaten him twice,” he said. Sky Sports News.
“Right now, Usyk is the best. He’s the guy who’s on top, and these two are trying to figure out who will win the Tyson-Usyk rematch.
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Promoter Frank Warren claims Daniel Dubois has a better recent record than Anthony Joshua ahead of their fight at Wembley.
“They know how important this fight is. As I said, I believe the winner of this fight will fight the winner of this fight in December.”
Dubois lost to Usyk last year but had some success, knocking the Ukrainian to the canvas with a low-ball.
Warren believes Dubois, who is coming off back-to-back wins over Jarrell Miller and Philippe Legovich, is better prepared to take on Purina Usyk after Joshua.
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Frank Warren says Anthony Joshua could struggle to resume his career if he suffers a crushing defeat to British rival Daniel Dubois at Wembley on September 21.
“We’ll find out. Is Joshua ready for them? He’s ready to fight Usyk again, I really believe that,” Warren said. Sky Sports.
“Being out of the fight and being in the ring with him and knowing what happened last time, I really believe he’s ready.”
Can AJ once again become the world’s number one heavyweight?
Sky Sports’ Jonny Nelson said:
From what we’ve seen, he’s headed in the right direction. We’ll have to see how he handles Daniel Dubois. I expect him to handle him, and then the question of timing comes up.
I believe it is possible. If it doesn’t happen by the end of 2025, I doubt he’s still alive.
Because after this fight, it has to be that way in the next two or three fights. It has to be that way.
You don’t know how much the Usyk-Fury fight hurt Usyk. I’ve never seen him in so much trouble. It was really tough.
Anthony Joshua takes on Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Sky Sports’ Matt Macklin said:
Much, much stranger things have happened. Another chapter may unfold.
Usyk and Fury will fight again, they took a lot from each other.
I think it took a lot out of Fury, but it also took a lot out of Yusik. He’s 37. He may not have had as many tough pro fights as AJ or Fury, but he’s had them all in the amateurs. But he’s got fights.
All his cruiserweight fights were tough. They were tough from the start because he moved fast.
AJ hasn’t really improved his record since his fight with Yusik.
If he shows up on Saturday night and wins, he’ll be happy.
The heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will be broadcast live on Saturday, September 21. Sky Sports Box Office. Book your Joshua vs Dubois fight now!
