Daniel Dubois 'can win' against Oleksandr Usyk says Eddie Hearn

Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will meet for a second time on Saturday 29th July as 'Dynamite' looks to avenge his previous loss against the Ukrainian.

The first fight between the pair played out in controversial fashion, as seems to be the case with the vast majority of bouts these days.

Dubois and his team contested that his punch, deemed a low blow, was legitimate. Had the referee agreed, the British boxer no doubt would have emerged victorious with Usyk taking to the floor for three minutes and 45 seconds.

The Ukrainian ultimately ended the fight in round nine, recording a knockout.

Both fighters have added to their credentials since their first fight, with Usyk defeating Tyson Fury twice and Dubois coming out on top against Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.

While Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn no longer represents either fighter, he has had his say on Dubois’ chances at winning the fight.

He said: “It’s a great fight, you know. I think I give Dubois a shot in that fight.

“It’s a good time. I mean a little bit of inactivity because of the fight falling through against Joseph Parker but you know, it’s exciting.

I think it’s definitely a fight he (Dubois) could win.

When questioned on Usyk’s antics at the face-off, Hearn replied: “The push was a bit strange.”

Usually a calm customer, the question has been raised as to whether Usyk is slightly unnerved, given Dubois is one of few to have hurt the Ukrainian, whether you view the punch as illegal or not.

Will Usyk’s mental fortitude be diminished as the low blow talk remains, or will his boxing skills prevail as he aims to repeat history?

We’ll find out on Saturday 29th July.

Ellis Statham

• Oleksandr Usyk
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