Frank Warren Sparks Controversy: “Usyk Is Beatable – Even Dubois, the Underdog, Has What It Takes to Destroy Him!”

In a statement that has ignited a firestorm in the boxing world, promoter Frank Warren has boldly claimed that Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion, is vulnerable and that Daniel Dubois, despite being the underdog, possesses the power to dismantle him. Speaking on June 12, 2025, ahead of their highly anticipated rematch on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, Warren’s provocative words have polarized fans and analysts, thrusting the buildup to this blockbuster fight into chaos.

Warren’s Explosive Prediction

Warren, head of Queensberry Promotions, doubled down on his belief in Dubois’ potential to upset Usyk, who boasts an unblemished 23-0 record with 14 knockouts. “Usyk is beatable – even Dubois, the underdog, has what it takes to destroy him,” Warren declared in an interview with Sky Sports. He pointed to Dubois’ recent knockout victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua as evidence of the 27-year-old’s evolution into a formidable contender. “Daniel’s got the power to stop him. If he catches Usyk, he’ll knock him out,” Warren added, fueling speculation about a potential seismic shift in the heavyweight division.

The promoter’s confidence stems from Dubois’ growth since their controversial 2023 encounter, where a disputed low blow in the fifth round allowed Usyk to recover and stop Dubois in the ninth. Warren insists Dubois has matured mentally and physically, arguing that the Brit can exploit weaknesses he identified in Usyk’s game, particularly his susceptibility to body shots—a vulnerability first noted during Usyk’s amateur days against Artur Beterbiev.

A Divided Boxing Community

Warren’s bold assertion has split opinions. Some fans and pundits back his view, citing Dubois’ devastating 2024 knockout of Joshua at Wembley as proof of his current form. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with supporters praising Dubois’ resilience and power, suggesting he could turn the tables on Usyk. However, others remain skeptical, pointing to Dubois’ past mental lapses, including his decision to take a knee against Usyk and Joe Joyce, as reasons to doubt his ability to handle the Ukrainian’s technical mastery.

Usyk’s camp has yet to respond directly, but the champion’s trainer, Sergey Lapin, hinted at confidence, telling BoxingScene, “Oleksandr has faced bigger challenges. Dubois will need more than power to beat him.” The controversy is further amplified by Warren’s past criticism of the refereeing in their first fight, where he argued the low blow ruling robbed Dubois of a legitimate chance to finish Usyk, a stance that continues to stir debate.

The Stakes at Wembley

The July 19 rematch pits IBF champion Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) against Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs), who holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles. With over 70,000 tickets already sold, the fight carries the potential for Dubois to become a two-time undisputed champion—a feat not achieved since Lennox Lewis in 1999, albeit without the WBO belt at the time. Warren’s provocative prediction has added extra intrigue, with some speculating it’s a psychological tactic to unsettle Usyk ahead of the bout.

Dubois himself echoed Warren’s optimism, telling talkSPORT, “Beating Usyk would be the greatest victory in boxing. I’ve learned from last time, and I’m ready to take him out.” Meanwhile, Usyk’s recent victories over Tyson Fury have solidified his status as the division’s top dog, making Warren’s claim a bold challenge to the narrative of Usyk’s invincibility.

A Fight for the Ages?

As the countdown to Wembley intensifies, Warren’s controversial stance has turned the rematch into more than just a title fight—it’s a test of Dubois’ redemption arc against Usyk’s reign. Will Dubois’ newfound confidence and raw power overcome Usyk’s ring IQ and experience, or will the champion prove his dominance once again? The boxing world is on edge, with Warren’s words ensuring the stakes feel higher than ever.

For the latest updates, visit www.skysports.com or follow the heated debate unfolding on X.