A former fighter who lost by knockout to Oleksandr Usyk sees it being a tough night for Daniel Dubois.
Usyk vs Dubois 2 is a fight that will change the course of the heavyweight division for the next few years, with challengers like Joseph Parker lining up for the winner.
The current IBF champion had his Wembley moment already by beating Anthony Joshua in the best knockout win of his career.
Now he wants to use the experience of that incredible night to beat Usyk and become the second undisputed heavyweight champion from Britain.
Former opponent Tony Bellew can’t see a Daniel Dubois win, but believes Oleksandr Usyk will be knocked down
Tony Bellew, who lost his WBC title to the Ukrainian in devastating fashion, has credited Dubois for his recent run.
But in an interview with DAZN, Bellew just can’t see past a win for the away fighter.
He said: “I’ll be the first to say that what Daniel has done in his last few fights has been remarkable, but this is an altogether different test,”
“Dubois will have his moments, and he could even hurt or drop Usyk, but I just see Usyk knowing too much and being too smart.
“Usyk on points or a late stoppage like the first fight.”
Reflecting on ‘Dynamite’s’ first attempt at his former foe, he feels his attitude is what has made him the fighter he is today.
“When Usyk beat him a couple of years ago, it looked like it could’ve been the end for Dubois, but he has taken that defeat and used it to improve and push on, so credit to him for that,” Bellew said.
“The Joshua win shocked me, but that result would’ve made Usyk take note and he will prepare for this like it is the biggest fight of his life as he cuts no corners.”
Tony Bellew explains the immense ‘mental pressure’ of facing Oleksandr Usyk
Of course, the Scouse cruiserweight knows all too well the damage and challenge ‘The Cat’ presents in this rematch.
Ever since losing his belt in the eighth round after a bludgeoning combination, the proud Evertonian has been outspoken about the difficulty of combatting the pressure.
In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “Making him miss and drawing him to you is a good thing to do. But eventually it caught up with me.
“He mentally exhausted me in our fight by constantly having his front foot close to mine. That doesn’t sound much. But it’s mental pressure that he puts on you, not physical.
“He’s vicious and brilliant.”
That win signalled the end of the incredible cruiserweight run of the revered heavyweight king, and it ended the career of Bellew in the process.
With only two fights left, it is going to be a sad day once ‘The Great’ decides to hang up his gloves, as he will leave boxing fans wondering if anyone can take his mantle.