Daniel Dubois DROPS Bombshell On Oleksandr Usyk Ahead Of Their FIGHT! ‘I DODGE PARKER TO BEAT YOU’

Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois has ignited a firestorm ahead of his undisputed title clash with Oleksandr Usyk, dropping a bombshell claim that has stunned the boxing world. With their rematch set for July 19 at Wembley Stadium, Dubois boldly declared, “I dodge Parker to beat you,” suggesting he sidestepped a mandatory defense against Joseph Parker to focus on avenging his 2023 loss to the Ukrainian champion. The statement has thrown the division into chaos and raised eyebrows about Dubois’ priorities and strategy.

A Provocative Challenge

During a heated press conference in London on Saturday evening, Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight champion, unleashed his boldest taunt yet against Usyk, the unified WBA, WBC, and WBO titleholder. The 27-year-old Brit, riding a wave of confidence after knockouts of Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua, doubled down on his rematch demand, saying, “I dodged Parker to beat you. That’s the fight that matters—four belts, my redemption. Usyk, you got lucky last time, but not this time.” The remark references his controversial 2023 loss to Usyk in Poland, where a fifth-round body shot—ruled a low blow—gave Usyk time to recover and ultimately secure a ninth-round knockout.

Dubois’ admission that he avoided Parker, the WBO interim champion who recently stopped Martin Bakole, has sparked debate. The fight with Parker was scheduled for February but canceled when Dubois fell ill, leading to speculation that he prioritized the bigger stage against Usyk. His promoter, Frank Warren, had previously hinted at a potential unification bout taking precedence, but Dubois’ candid phrasing has added a layer of personal vendetta to the narrative.

Usyk’s Response and the Build-Up

Usyk, known for his calm demeanor and mind games, smirked at the comment but offered a cryptic reply: “Daniel, you choose your path. I’ll meet you where you stand—on my road, with God’s blessing.” The 38-year-old Ukrainian, unbeaten in 23 fights and a two-weight undisputed champion, remains focused on becoming a three-time undisputed titlist. His camp has dismissed Dubois’ claims, with promoter Alex Krassyuk asserting, “Daniel can dodge who he wants, but he can’t dodge the truth of that last fight. We’re ready to end this controversy.”

The first encounter between the two was marred by the low-blow ruling, which Dubois and his trainer Don Charles have long disputed, with Charles recently calling Usyk’s recovery “an Oscar-worthy con.” This rematch, pitting Dubois’ newfound aggression against Usyk’s technical mastery, promises to settle the score, with all four major belts on the line.

The Boxing World Reacts

The boxing community is abuzz with reactions. Fans on social media have latched onto Dubois’ “I dodge Parker” line, with some praising his focus on the big prize, while others criticize it as disrespectful to Parker, who’s on a six-fight win streak. Posts found on X highlight a split sentiment, with some calling Dubois “smart for chasing Usyk” and others labeling it “cowardice” for avoiding Parker. Analysts like Timothy Bradley Jr. noted on a recent broadcast, “Dubois is playing a dangerous game—Parker’s no pushover, and Usyk will make him pay if he’s not sharp.”

Joseph Parker himself responded diplomatically, telling Sky Sports, “I was ready for Daniel, but he chose his fight. I’ll be waiting for the winner—four belts or not.” The snub has only heightened Parker’s resolve, potentially setting up a future clash if Dubois falters.

A Fight for the Ages

With Dubois vowing to “put Usyk to sleep” and Usyk promising a historic defense, the July 19 showdown at Wembley is shaping up as a defining moment in heavyweight boxing. Dubois’ bombshell claim adds fuel to an already blazing rivalry, turning a sporting contest into a personal crusade. As the clock ticks down, the question remains: Will Dubois’ gamble pay off, or will Usyk’s experience once again prove too much? The answer lies in the ring, where pride, power, and history will collide.