In the world of boxing, where respect and rivalry often collide, bold statements are nothing new. But this week, a comment from a close teammate of British heavyweight Daniel Dubois has stirred both excitement and controversy across the boxing world. According to the unnamed insider, Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight world champion, was “visibly shaken” during his bout with Dubois — a claim that has reignited debates about their dramatic 2023 fight.

“Dubois made Usyk scared,” the teammate told reporters during a podcast interview earlier this week. “In that fifth round, when Daniel landed that body shot, Usyk didn’t know what hit him. People can debate whether it was legal or not, but the truth is: he was hurt, and he was scared.”

The statement refers to the highly contested body shot that Dubois landed in Round 5 of their title bout in Poland — a punch that sent Usyk to the canvas in visible pain. The referee ruled the shot as a low blow, giving Usyk time to recover. Dubois and his team have maintained ever since that the punch was legal and should have led to a knockout win.

“That was a clean shot,” the teammate reiterated. “If that fight had been called properly, Daniel would be world champion right now. But what matters is that we saw fear in Usyk’s eyes. That tells you something.”

Usyk, known for his calm demeanor and technical brilliance, eventually recovered and went on to stop Dubois in the ninth round. But this claim — that a dominant champion like Usyk showed fear — has sparked debates across boxing forums and social media. Fans of both fighters are now reanalyzing the fifth round, frame by frame, trying to assess the punch and its impact.

While opinions are divided, many agree that Dubois’s performance in that moment showed promise and power — and left lingering questions about what might have happened had the fight played out differently.

A Wild Twist: KSI Enters the Chat

In an unexpected left turn during the interview, the same teammate was asked about a fantasy “ultimate street fight” scenario. The interviewer posed a fun question: If you had to pick one fighter — from any sport, not just boxing — to join you in a no-rules street fight, who would it be?

Without hesitation, the answer was: KSI.

Yes, YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI, known for his brash style, online persona, and surprisingly solid performances in the influencer boxing scene.

“KSI’s got that crazy energy,” the teammate said with a laugh. “He’s unpredictable, he’s aggressive, and he fights like he’s got something to prove. In a street fight, it’s not just about skill — it’s about mentality. And that guy doesn’t back down.”

The pick drew mixed reactions from listeners — some amused, others intrigued. KSI, who recently fought Tommy Fury in a controversial decision loss, has been making waves in crossover boxing. Though not a traditional boxer, his heart, endurance, and showmanship have earned him a unique space in combat sports.

Whether serious or just part of the playful banter common in the world of combat sports, the pick sparked speculation about KSI’s ever-growing influence — not just online, but even in the minds of seasoned fighters.

What’s Next for Dubois?

As for Daniel Dubois, he is eyeing a comeback and redemption after the loss to Usyk. Rumors swirl that he might return to the ring by summer, possibly facing a top-10 contender in a bid to climb back into title contention.

“I’ve still got more to prove,” Dubois recently told fans. “I’m not done yet.”

And with his camp now reigniting the narrative that he hurt and “scared” a champion like Usyk, Dubois may just be laying the groundwork for a potential rematch — or, at the very least, to remind the world that he’s far from finished.