The heavyweight division is once again heating up with speculation, bold statements, and divided opinions. At the center of it all: Oleksandr Usyk, the undefeated Ukrainian technician, and Daniel Dubois, the British powerhouse. As fans anticipate the outcome of a potential showdown—or revisit the controversial moments of their 2023 bout—one thing is clear: experts overwhelmingly believe it would be shocking if Usyk doesn’t win by clean TKO or KO.

But is Daniel Dubois really “too much” for the unified heavyweight champion? Or are fans overhyping Dubois’ power and underestimating Usyk’s brilliance?

The Tale of Two Styles

On paper, this matchup is a classic battle of styles: Dubois, the puncher, with explosive strength and a traditional heavyweight frame, versus Usyk, the master boxer, who defies size disadvantages with footwork, ring IQ, and relentless precision.

Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) has proven himself time and time again—not just as the former undisputed cruiserweight king but as a legitimate threat at heavyweight. With wins over Anthony Joshua (twice) and Derek Chisora, Usyk has silenced critics who questioned whether he could hang with the division’s giants.

Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs), on the other hand, brings undeniable knockout power. The 26-year-old has stopped nearly every opponent he’s faced and has youth, size, and strength on his side. However, his performance against Usyk in their 2023 clash raised serious questions.

The 2023 Fight: Controversy and Clarity

In August 2023, Usyk and Dubois met in a WBA, IBF, and WBO title fight. The bout ended in a 9th-round TKO victory for Usyk, but not without controversy. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a body shot that dropped Usyk—but the referee ruled it a low blow. The fight paused for several minutes while Usyk recovered, and many fans still debate whether that punch was legal.

Despite the brief scare, Usyk dominated most of the bout, outboxing Dubois with ease and finishing him with a clean flurry in the ninth. The conclusion was clear to most experts: Dubois had moments, but Usyk had the fight.

Why a KO/TKO is Expected

Many analysts believe that if the two were to meet again, Usyk would end things even more convincingly—and possibly earlier.

Former world champion Carl Froch commented, “Usyk has seen what Dubois has to offer. Unless Daniel dramatically improves his defense and stamina, Usyk will break him down again, probably faster.”

Boxing analyst Steve Bunce echoed that sentiment: “Dubois is a good fighter, no doubt. But Usyk is elite. Once Usyk figures you out, it’s only a matter of time. I’d be genuinely shocked if a rematch went the distance.”

Even fans on social media seem to agree. On Reddit, one user wrote, “Usyk is just too smart. Unless Dubois lands a miracle punch, this ends in a stoppage again.”

Dubois’ Camp: Not So Fast

Of course, Dubois and his team see things differently. Trainer Don Charles insists that his fighter was robbed in the first encounter and that the body shot should have counted as a legitimate knockdown.

“If that shot had been ruled legal, we could be talking about Dubois as the unified champion today,” Charles said in a recent interview. “We’ve gone back, studied everything, and made improvements. A rematch would be a different story.”

Dubois himself remains confident. “I know I hurt him. I’ve felt what it’s like in there with Usyk. If I get the chance again, I’ll finish the job.”

Usyk’s Mental Edge

The psychological advantage seems to lie heavily with Usyk. Calm, focused, and relentlessly disciplined, the Ukrainian is known for his mental strength as much as his skill. His journey—from Olympic gold to undisputed cruiserweight to unified heavyweight champion—has been defined by resilience and consistency.

Usyk has faced harder punchers, bigger men, and tougher styles. Yet he remains unbeaten.

Final Thoughts

While Daniel Dubois is certainly a strong and dangerous fighter, Oleksandr Usyk remains a level above in terms of technical mastery, fight IQ, and adaptability. Unless Dubois lands something truly devastating early, most believe Usyk will control the fight—and eventually stop him again.

In fact, given the evidence of their previous clash and Usyk’s championship pedigree, it would be very surprising if Usyk doesn’t win by clean TKO or KO.

The heavyweight division thrives on drama, and anything can happen with one punch. But if these two meet again, don’t be shocked if history repeats itself—only quicker and more decisively.