In a fiery pre-fight interview, former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua didn’t mince words when discussing rising British heavyweight Daniel Dubois. As the boxing world buzzes over Dubois’ upcoming bout with Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua offered a candid and cutting assessment, warning fans and pundits alike: “Usyk will finish him.”
Joshua, who has shared the ring twice with Usyk, knows firsthand what the Ukrainian brings to the table — elite footwork, technical brilliance, and an almost untouchable rhythm. While Dubois is hailed by some as the next big thing in British boxing, Joshua doesn’t seem convinced.
“He’s not ready for Usyk,” Joshua stated. “There’s levels in this sport, and Dubois is still learning. He’s been matched carefully, and you can see why. He hasn’t faced anyone near Usyk’s caliber. Once he’s in that ring, he’ll see what it means to be in there with a master.”
Joshua’s remarks come at a time when Dubois is enjoying renewed momentum after his controversial win over Jarrell Miller and a bounce-back performance against Filip Hrgović. Many fans believe he’s turned a corner. But Joshua questioned the hype.
“He struggled with Kevin Lerena,” Joshua reminded. “And let’s not forget what happened against Joe Joyce. If your eye swells shut against Joyce, what’s Usyk going to do to you over twelve rounds of pure movement and speed? He won’t survive.”
Indeed, Dubois’ loss to Joyce in 2020 remains a blemish on his record — a bout in which he was criticized for taking a knee and opting not to continue after suffering a fractured orbital bone. While some praised the decision as a smart move to protect his career, others — like Joshua — viewed it as a mental lapse.
“This is the heavyweight division,” Joshua added. “You don’t get to quit and expect people to forget. Usyk will test you mentally. If you break once, he’ll make sure you break again.”
Joshua also took the opportunity to defend his own performances against Usyk. While he was outpointed in both encounters, many agree he put up a far more technical fight in the rematch, improving his footwork and ring generalship. “I gave him 24 rounds,” Joshua said. “Dubois won’t last six.”
Despite the criticism, Joshua did acknowledge Dubois’ power, saying, “He’s a puncher, no doubt. But landing clean on Usyk isn’t easy. You need more than power — you need patience, timing, IQ. I’m not sure he’s got that yet.”
The heavyweight division is in a state of transition. With Tyson Fury and Usyk expected to unify the division and stars like Joshua, Dubois, and Joe Joyce jostling for position, every fight matters. For Dubois, this is a career-defining opportunity. But for Joshua, it’s a potential mismatch.
“Usyk is too sharp, too smart. He’s got that amateur pedigree and pro championship mindset. He doesn’t make mistakes. If Dubois thinks he can just walk him down, he’s in for a shock.”
As fans prepare for what could be a high-stakes showdown between youth and experience, one thing is clear: Joshua has thrown down the gauntlet — not just to Dubois, but to anyone who underestimates Usyk.
“He’s the most complete fighter I’ve ever faced,” Joshua concluded. “And if Dubois isn’t careful, he won’t just lose — he’ll be exposed.”
Only time will tell if Joshua’s prediction comes true. But his words have added fuel to the fire — and made this heavyweight clash all the more unmissable.
