Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk may be forced to shift his focus to mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois after prolonged negotiations with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua failed to materialise.
The Ukrainian superstar, who holds the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, had been in talks for a historic undisputed clash with WBC champion Fury. However, with those discussions stalling and a potential bout against Joshua also fading, Usyk's team is now exploring other options.
Dubois Emerges as Leading Contender
Daniel Dubois, the WBA's mandatory challenger, appears to be the most likely next opponent for Usyk. The 25-year-old Brit has rebuilt his career impressively since a 2020 defeat to Joe Joyce, securing three consecutive wins—including a dramatic fourth-round stoppage of Kevin Lerena last December.
Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that Dubois is next in line for a shot at Usyk's WBA belt, stating: "The WBA have mandated that fight, and we're working to make it happen."
Fury and Joshua Fights Still Possible?
While Dubois seems the immediate frontrunner, Usyk's team hasn't entirely abandoned hope of securing a mega-fight with either Fury or Joshua later in 2023.
Usyk's manager, Egis Klimas, revealed: "We're still open to fighting Fury or Joshua if the terms are right. But right now, we have obligations to fulfil."
Fury is reportedly considering alternative opponents for a summer bout, while Joshua's team continues to explore options after back-to-back losses to Usyk.
Potential Timeline and Venue
If the Dubois fight proceeds, it could take place in late summer, with London's Wembley Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium among potential venues. Dubois would enjoy home advantage, but Usyk has proven his ability to win on foreign soil—as demonstrated in his victories over Joshua.
Boxing fans had hoped 2023 would deliver the long-awaited Fury-Usyk showdown to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in over two decades. However, with boxing politics once again complicating matters, Dubois may get his chance to shock the world first.
