Fight fans questioned Daniel Dubois’ choice of words to Oleksandr Usyk (Image: Getty)
Daniel Dubois was dubbed “embarrassing” after storming the ring to call out for a rematch in December, claiming there was a “robbery” in their initial encounter.
‘DDD’ was waiting in the wings as for the second time in the space of a year at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, having handed the first loss of his professional career in May.
And seizing his opportunity in the aftermath of the fight, Dubois interrupted Usyk’s post-fight interview, entering the squared-circle to offer the most recent undisputed heavyweight champion of the world the gauntlet. Speaking to Usyk, Dubois said: “Usyk, I want my revenge. I want my revenge Usyk.
“Well done on tonight, well done on tonight. God bless. I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s get it, let’s go…let’s go. Where’s Frank [Warren]? Make it happen.”
The ‘robbery’ in which Dubois referred to took place in August 2023 – in which he challenged Usyk for his collection of WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO titles, only to be knocked out with a stiff right hand in the ninth round. However, the bout was not without its controversy, Dubois feeling hard-done-by when his fifth-round body shot knock down was ruled as a low blow – a punch which the chellenger believed could have made him champion.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the fight, Dubois said: “No I didn’t think that was a low blow. I thought that landed and I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight, you know? What else can I say?” And despite his own opinions that the initial encounter was a “robbery”, fight fans didn’t agree with Dubois’ choice to call out Usyk following his second win over Fury.
Taking to social media, one person wrote: “Truly embarrassing, Daniel Dubois,” while another added: “The secondhand cringe/embarassment for Daniel Dubois in the ring tonight was David Brent levels.” A third continued: “Embarrassing from Dubois, let Usyk have his moment and concentrate on your next fight with Parker,” and a fourth said: “Daniel Dubois leave the ring man, it’s embarrassing.”
Daniel Dubois was set to face Joseph Parker (Image: Getty)
It comes as Dubois has been forced to withdraw from his IBF title defence with Joseph Parker on Saturday evening. The heavyweight bolstered his professional boxing record to 22-2 with a back in September to win the first world championship of his career, and would have hoped to add a 22nd career knockout by going toe-to-toe with Parker in .
However, it has since been announced that Parker will instead face Martin Bakole, after Dubois missed Thursday’s press conference due to a reported fever. Confirming the new bout, BOXXER CEO told : “The fight’s done. He [Bakole] was in the Congo, he’s on his way.
“If you’re ever going to have a chance at beating Martin Bakole it’s on two days’ notice. But I still think he’s the favourite in the fight. I think a 50 per cent Martin Bakole beats both heavyweights. Fair play to Joseph Parker as well for taking Martin Bakole. Let’s go.”