Oleksandr Usyk wants Daniel Dubois rematch despite Joseph Parker mandatory call

Pound-for-pound superstar Oleksandr Usyk has set his sights on becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion of the world this year, pouring cold water on the idea of making a mandatory title defence against the WBO's number one ranked contender, Joseph Parker.

The Ukrainian also reiterated his stance that he only has two professional fights left in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya this week, and revealed that he wants the first of those to be a rematch with IBF title-holder Daniel Dubois.

The pair previously locked-horns in August 2023, with Usyk claiming a stoppage victory over the Briton, although the fight was marred by controversy after a Dubois body shot, which forced his 38-year-old opponent to his knees, was deemed a low blow.

Speaking about his future in the fight game this week, Usyk signalled his ambition to fully unify titles in boxing's blue-riband division for a second time, despite the WBO calling for the former cruiserweight king to make a mandatory title defence against recent Markin Bakole conqueror, Parker.

"We want to fight Daniel Dubois - my team is ready!" Usyk said.

"The WBO have told us that I should defend that title against Joseph Parker, but the goal of our team is to unite our belts with Dubois.

"A lot depends on how God will give us a way to do it and the second person who can do it is Turki Alalshikh, because he is the person who can organise this fight.

"There will be obstacles and the only person who can make this fight happen is His Excellency, and Riyadh Season."

Usyk would likely need the WBO to grant an exception and for Parker to agree a step aside fee for a blockbuster undisputed showdown with Dubois to take precedent this summer.

Whilst unlikely, there have been instances in the past whereby fighters have agreed terms to vacate their place in line, including Anthony Joshua, who was set to land a £15m windfall in 2022 to allow Tyson Fury and Usyk to collide in the first of their undisputed bouts, before late contractual issues led to the deal breaking down.

For now though, it's clear that the Ukrainian's preference is to tackle Dubois this summer, before making his rumoured final curtain call in early 2026.

Will Oleksandr Usyk switch to MMA?

A potential switch to MMA hasn't been ruled out, especially given Usyk's recent revelation about stepping up training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and judo.

He added further fuel to that fire when he recently named former UFC champion Alex Pereira as one of his potential final two opponents.

"I would be interested in Perreira, but only after the fight with Daniel (Dubois) to merge our belts," he added.

"i don't know who my final two opponents are going to be but I have two fights left in my unbelievable journey - for 20 years nobody could organise an undisputed heavyweight showdown, Saudi Arabia managed to do this, and now they can do it again.

"Fans want to see this fight the most, and, of course, it's the fight I want the most."

Mark Mothershaw

• Oleksandr Usyk
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