Sheeraz just gave Berlanga a hiding
read up on this, seems very capable, and there's some big bouts to be made in that division.Sheeraz just gave Berlanga a hiding
That was back in the good old days of one heavyweight world champion. Now it's a circus. Think there are four belts at the moment. But there might be another one next month.….i distinctly remember being 7yo in the early 60s when Clay beat Liston, it was such a huge event even in the days when we didn’t have 24/7 communications.
Just seen on news that Britain has a contender for undisputed heavyweight champion of the world tonight and I have to say it was the first time I’d heard of Daniel Dubois.
It's because Usyk isn't a knob head and, sadly, for Dubois who hasn't a great deal of charisma. Joshua went down the grandma's favourite route, 'isn't he lovely, he's so good to his ma' etc, so that avenue is lost (only game in town now for fury and Joshua is one another but it's getting late!).Weirdly the most under hyped fight ever I think.
Quite disrespectful to an outstanding boxer and champion like Usyk is.
Can anybody make a proper case for Dubois winning the fight?
While Oleksandr Usyk is the heavy favorite and has already defeated Daniel Dubois, there's a case to be made for Dubois winning the rematch. This case largely hinges on the idea of Dubois's significant improvement since their first encounter, combined with potential factors that could work against Usyk.
Here's a breakdown of the arguments for a Dubois victory:
1. The Controversial First Fight and Lessons Learned:
2. Dubois's Recent Improvements and Power:
- The "Low Blow": In their first fight, Dubois landed a body shot that put Usyk down. While it was ruled a low blow, replays showed it landed close to the belt line, and many, including Dubois's camp, believe it was a legitimate shot. This moment showed that Dubois can hurt Usyk, and it fuels the narrative that he was on the cusp of a knockout.
- Mindset and Experience: In the first fight, Dubois might have been too respectful of Usyk's skills. Since then, he's gained invaluable experience and confidence, especially from his dominant knockout victory over Anthony Joshua. This newfound maturity and belief could lead him to be more aggressive and relentless from the start.
3. Potential Factors Against Usyk:
- "Whiplashing Overhand Right": Since the Usyk loss, Dubois has seemingly developed a devastating overhand right, which was instrumental in his knockout of Anthony Joshua.1 If he can land this clean on Usyk, it could be a game-changer.
- Body Work: Dubois clearly hurt Usyk with body shots in their first fight. A key strategy for him this time would be to relentlessly attack Usyk's body, aiming to slow down his movement and drain his stamina.
- Increased Confidence: Dubois has rattled off three impressive knockout victories since the Usyk fight (Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua). This winning streak has undoubtedly boosted his confidence and belief that he belongs at the top. He's spoken about being "on a different level now" and being "ready to go through whatever I need to."
4. The "Puncher's Chance":
- Age and Wear and Tear: Usyk is 38, significantly older than the 27-year-old Dubois.2 While Usyk has shown incredible stamina and resilience, particularly in his two grueling fights against Tyson Fury, those fights would have taken a toll. There's a theory that any fighter can "get old overnight," and even a slight decline in Usyk's reflexes or stamina could be exploited by Dubois's power.
- Complacency/Overconfidence: While Usyk is a consummate professional, having already stopped Dubois once, there's a slim chance he might underestimate Dubois's improvements or be slightly less motivated compared to a fresh, dangerous opponent.
- Physical Advantages: Dubois is a bigger, more physically imposing heavyweight.3 If he can use his size and strength effectively to bully Usyk, push him to the ropes, and make it an ugly, inside fight, he could negate Usyk's superior boxing skills.
In summary, the case for Dubois winning hinges on:
- In heavyweight boxing, one punch can change everything. Dubois possesses legitimate one-punch knockout power. Even if Usyk outboxes him for large portions of the fight, a single clean shot from Dubois could end the night.
While it's an uphill battle against a fighter of Usyk's caliber, these factors provide a basis for believing Daniel Dubois could pull off the upset.
- A more aggressive, disciplined, and confident Dubois who has learned from the first fight and honed his power.
- A relentless body attack to slow Usyk down.
- The potential for Usyk to show signs of age or wear and tear from his recent tough fights.
- The inherent "puncher's chance" that a heavyweight with Dubois's power always carries.
Father Time catches up with everyone, has Usyk aged? That’s about.Can anybody make a proper case for Dubois winning the fight?
Can anybody make a proper case for Dubois winning the fight?
Can anybody make a proper case for Dubois winning the fight?
Beyond the “in heavyweight boxing, anything can happen,” not really, unfortunately.Can anybody make a proper case for Dubois winning the fight?