Daniel Dubois, a rising star in heavyweight boxing, has made significant strides since his controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023. The British puncher, who knocked Usyk down with a disputed punch ruled as an illegal low blow, has rebounded with confidence, capturing the IBF world title and defeating high-profile opponents. But the question remains: can Dubois avenge his loss to Usyk in a potential rematch? Boxing legend Lennox Lewis believes he can—and offers his reasons why.
Lennox Lewis and the Art of Redemption
Lennox Lewis, one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history, is no stranger to redemption. Having suffered two shocking defeats during his career—against Oliver McCall in 1994 and Hasim Rahman in 2001—Lewis famously avenged both losses with decisive victories. His success in rematches came down to tactical adjustments, mental toughness, and meticulous preparation.
When asked about Dubois’s chances against Usyk, Lewis responded succinctly: “He fares well.” He explained that Dubois’s renewed confidence and clear goal of becoming an undisputed champion position him as a serious contender. Lewis’s belief in Dubois’s potential stems from his ability to grow after setbacks—a trait Lewis himself mastered during his storied career.
Dubois’s Transformation Since the Usyk Loss
Dubois’s first fight with Usyk was a defining moment for the young Brit. While he floored the Ukrainian champion with a controversial body shot, the referee ruled it illegal, giving Usyk time to recover. The experienced southpaw capitalized on the opportunity, stopping Dubois in the ninth round.
Rather than letting the loss define him, Dubois used it as a catalyst for improvement. Since then, he has notched three impressive victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua, earning and defending the IBF heavyweight title in the process. These wins showcased Dubois’s growing confidence, refined technique, and knockout power.
However, facing Usyk again is no small feat. The Ukrainian’s mastery of ring craft, superior speed, and ability to adapt have made him one of the most technically skilled fighters in the world. Dubois will need more than raw power to overcome Usyk’s high boxing IQ.
Usyk’s Dominance and Dubois’s Next Challenge
Oleksandr Usyk has solidified his reputation as one of the greatest boxers of his generation. From his dominance in the cruiserweight division to becoming a unified heavyweight champion, Usyk’s ability to outthink and outmaneuver larger opponents has set him apart. His victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury exemplify his adaptability and technical brilliance.
Dubois, on the other hand, has been building momentum. He now has an opportunity to further prove himself when he defends his IBF title against Joseph Parker on February 22. Parker, a former world champion with experience against elite opponents, presents a formidable challenge. A convincing win would solidify Dubois’s standing as a legitimate contender and make his case for a rematch with Usyk even stronger.
Lewis believes that Dubois’s confidence and current form make him a credible threat, but the rematch hinges on whether Dubois can continue to evolve as a fighter. Usyk, for his part, has expressed openness to the idea of facing Dubois again, signaling that he welcomes the challenge if the stars align.
A Path to Redemption
Daniel Dubois’s journey since his loss to Oleksandr Usyk has been marked by growth, resilience, and impressive victories. Lennox Lewis’s endorsement of Dubois’s potential for a successful rematch reflects the young fighter’s evolution and determination. However, defeating Usyk will require more than just confidence—it will demand a tactical overhaul and the ability to adapt to one of boxing’s most skilled champions.
For now, all eyes are on Dubois’s upcoming title defense against Joseph Parker. A victory in February would not only cement Dubois’s status as a top heavyweight contender but also bring him closer to redemption. If Dubois can channel the lessons learned from his loss and build on his recent successes, the rematch with Usyk could become one of the most compelling showdowns in modern boxing.