Frank Warren says first Oleksandr Usyk fight was 'coming of age' for Daniel Dubois

No fighter likes to lose. The dream is to never lose a fight, retire undefeated, win world titles, and be financially secure for you and your loved ones. 

After losing to Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois went on to get four consecutive wins to earn a crack at then-unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023. Dubois thought he had knocked Usyk down in the fifth round. But the referee saw things differently and ruled the shot a low blow. At the time, Dubois wasn't happy about the call. Usyk rebounded and went on to get a ninth-round stoppage to retain the belts. 

Fast forward 23 months later and Dubois is the IBF champion and will meet Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship on Saturday from Wembley Stadium in London, England, live on DAZN PPV. Dubois' long-time promoter at Queensberry Promotions, Frank Warren, had a long talk with him after the fight and feels it was a learning experience for the 27-year-old, and the conversation has appeared to work as "Dynamite" has stopped Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. 

“For me, it was a coming of age fight for him because we had a good sit down with him afterwards, Warren said during the DAZN weigh-in show. "We said to him, ‘If you want to be a champion. If you want to be the best, you can’t be complaining or worrying about referees or judges. One referee or one judge in either hand. You go in a guy's backyard and you've got to do what you gotta do. 

“The proof’s been in the pudding since. Three magnificent stoppages against world-ranked fighters. And he’s done it in great style.”

Former undisputed heavyweight champion and British boxing legend was on the DAZN weigh-in show. He asked Warren what Dubois can do that Tyson Fury and Joshua have been unable to do in solving the puzzle known as Usyk.

"He needs to control the fight, Warren told Lewis. "He needs to push him on the back foot. He’s (Usyk) not so good going backwards, which is none of our business. He’s got to use that jab. What Usyk will do as soon as the first bell goes (is) he will come out and try to bring it on him. He did it with Tyson (Fury). He did it with (Anthony) Joshua. He wants to come forward. He’s got to meet him in the center of the ring and control it. Use the jab. Use the jab. Relax, keep moving his head, and the rest will just follow.

Usyk vs Dubois 2 only on DAZN

Watch Usyk versus Dubois 2 live and exclusive on DAZN PPV this Saturday - July 19 - for £24.99 UK; $59.99 US; $19.99/equivalent ROW. 

Buy the PPV now here.