Error code: %{errorCode}
Johnny Nelson names three advantages Daniel Dubois must use to beat Oleksandr Usyk
Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson has highlighted three attributes that Daniel Dubois will have to rely upon to defeat Oleksandr Usyk this weekend.
IBF titleholder Dubois faces unified champion Usyk for a second time, two years on from his controversial defeat to the Ukrainian after the Brit claimed a shot ruled as a low blow had been legal.
This time the stakes are even higher under the Wembley arch, with undisputed status is up for grabs live on DAZN PPV.
- Read next | Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2: Date, undercard, ringwalk times, TV channel, prediction, analysis, odds
Nelson believes that Dubois must lean on his natural advantages over Usyk in order to taste victory, but the pundit has also warned his fellow Brit to avoid fighting on the Ukrainian’s terms.
Speaking via NewBettingOffers.co.uk, Nelson told DAZN News: “For Daniel Dubois, where it will be won for him will be pace and power. He's 27 years old, he needs to use his youth, use his pace and use that natural power that he has that he knows can hurt Usyk.
"Where it well be lost is if he tries to stand off Usyk and play him at his own game. Worst thing you could ever do, because if you do, Usyk will pick you apart, he'll dissect you.”
Nelson, who held the WBO cruiserweight title for seven years between 1999 and 2006, is predicting Usyk to continue a trend and win in more convincing fashion than his first meeting with Dubois.
Back in 2023 Usyk stopped Dubois in the ninth round, and Nelson feels that the Ukrainian will find it easier in the second meeting, pointing to his rematch wins over fellow British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Nelson continued: “You see anybody who's boxed (Usyk) once, the second time it's even easier (for Usyk).
“I’m going Usyk. I think it's repeat, not revenge.”
While defeat would see Dubois lose his world champion status, Nelson does not feel it would ruin the heavyweight’s stock in the division.
“It's not make-or-break for Daniel Dubois,” Nelson restarted.
“Daniel Dubois is 27 years old, still a young man. Daniel Dubois has done, and is doing, well in his career.
“So if he loses to Usyk, there's no shame in that at all. So, for that fight (against Usyk) with Daniel Dubois, win, lose or draw, I can't see him walking away until he's about 30 years old.”
Victory for Dubois would crown a first undisputed heavyweight champion for Britain in the four-belt era, and just the second male fighter to hold all four titles at the same time after super-lightweight Josh Taylor.
Lennox Lewis was the last Brit to reign as undisputed in boxing’s most glamorous division when he held the WBC, IBF, and WBA straps during the three-belt era back in 2000.
Nelson added: “It’s a great accolade to have on the record books, for Britain to have a champion of such stature. It's a great thing.
“The heavyweight championship of the world is the biggest prize in sport."
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 .
