In the unpredictable world of heavyweight boxing, opinions carry weight—especially when they come from someone who’s been in the ring with two of the sport’s elite fighters. British heavyweight Dave Allen, known for his grit, candor, and deep insight into the sport, recently offered a bold prediction: Daniel Dubois will beat Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch. What makes Allen’s take especially intriguing is that he has sparred with both men, giving him a rare, inside-the-ropes perspective on how the two measure up.
With Usyk vs. Dubois II scheduled to headline at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, boxing fans around the world are watching closely. The first encounter between the Ukrainian master technician and the British powerhouse ended in controversy—but according to Allen, the outcome could swing dramatically in the rematch. Let’s explore why Dave Allen believes Daniel Dubois is primed to upset the reigning champion and shift the heavyweight hierarchy.
From the Inside: Dave Allen’s Sparring Insights
Dave Allen is no stranger to elite-level boxing. Over the years, he has shared the ring with some of the sport’s biggest names, either in professional bouts or as a sparring partner. Two names on that list are Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk. When speaking to the media recently, Allen made headlines by saying that, in his honest opinion, Dubois has what it takes to defeat Usyk in their second meeting.
“Sparring with Dubois, I got whiplash from a jab,” Allen revealed. “That’s how powerful he is. The man’s jab alone felt like a right hook. Then I sparred Usyk, and he knocked me out clean. But the difference is physicality. Usyk is slick, smart, and fast—but Dubois is a powerhouse.”
This contrast between finesse and force is central to Allen’s analysis. While Usyk is a brilliant tactician with unmatched footwork and boxing IQ, Dubois brings brute strength, improving skill, and a growing confidence that can’t be ignored. And as Allen emphasized, Usyk isn’t getting any younger.
The Controversial First Fight
To understand why a rematch matters so much, we need to revisit their first encounter in August 2023. In that bout, Daniel Dubois landed a body shot in the fifth round that appeared legal to many observers but was ruled a low blow by the referee. The shot momentarily incapacitated Usyk, who was given several minutes to recover. He eventually went on to win the fight by ninth-round TKO.
The controversy that followed was intense. Dubois’ camp argued that the punch was legitimate and could have resulted in a knockdown—or even a knockout—had the referee not intervened. Usyk, for his part, maintained that the punch landed below the belt. The ambiguity around the incident set the stage for a rematch loaded with tension, motivation, and a burning desire for redemption from Dubois.
Dubois: A Rising Threat
Since the loss to Usyk, Dubois has gone back to the drawing board—and come back stronger. He secured a huge victory over Filip Hrgović to win the IBF heavyweight title and later defended it in dramatic fashion against former unified champion Anthony Joshua, knocking out “AJ” in the 10th round. These performances have helped silence critics who once questioned Dubois’ heart and resilience.
Dave Allen was quick to point out how much Dubois has evolved. “He’s matured,” Allen said. “The Daniel I sparred years ago was raw, but now he’s refined that power. He’s learning how to pace himself, how to close distance intelligently, and how to take his time instead of rushing for knockouts.”
This version of Dubois isn’t just strong—he’s smarter, more experienced, and better conditioned. That makes him a very different opponent than the one Usyk faced the first time.
Usyk: The Master Boxer
Of course, one cannot discuss this matchup without acknowledging the brilliance of Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian southpaw is undefeated, having dominated the cruiserweight division before moving up to heavyweight and dethroning Anthony Joshua. With back-to-back wins over “AJ,” a dominant performance against Dereck Chisora, and the victory over Dubois, Usyk has proven himself a masterful technician at any weight.
His movement, timing, and ability to adapt mid-fight are what make him so dangerous. Against Dubois, even after the controversial shot, Usyk stayed composed and wore down his opponent with precise combinations and relentless pressure. And in his most recent outings—including a razor-close win over Tyson Fury—Usyk showcased the grit and heart of a true champion.
But Allen believes Usyk’s age and size disadvantage could finally catch up with him. “He’s 37 now. And he’s not a natural heavyweight,” Allen noted. “Eventually, when you’re fighting bigger and stronger guys, it takes a toll. I think Dubois, with the right game plan, can break him down.”
Key Factors in the Rematch
1. Physicality and Youth
At just 26 years old, Daniel Dubois is nearly a decade younger than Usyk. That age gap brings advantages in terms of recovery, stamina, and endurance—critical traits in a high-paced 12-round battle. Dubois also stands taller and carries more natural muscle, which could help him absorb Usyk’s volume punches and return fire with authority.
2. Mental Edge
The controversy of the first fight is undoubtedly fueling Dubois. He enters this rematch with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove—not just to fans, but to himself. Fighters motivated by redemption often pose a unique psychological threat.
3. Tactical Evolution
Dubois is no longer the one-dimensional puncher he was early in his career. Under new coaching and training regimens, he’s learning to cut the ring off, jab more effectively, and create angles—tools he’ll need against a mover like Usyk.
Prediction: A Power-Paced Upset?
Dave Allen’s final words on the matter summarize the growing sentiment among many boxing insiders: “I’m not saying Usyk isn’t great—he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. But Dubois is coming into his prime, and he hits like a truck. If he lands clean and keeps the pressure, Usyk could finally meet his match.”
The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois is more than just another title fight. It’s a clash of styles, generations, and redemption arcs. For Usyk, it’s about maintaining his legacy and staying at the top of the sport. For Dubois, it’s about rewriting his story, proving his critics wrong, and claiming a rightful place among the heavyweight elite.
Final Thoughts
When fighters step into the ring, predictions fall away, and preparation meets reality. But if Dave Allen’s insights are any indication, fans should brace themselves for a war at Wembley. Whether Usyk dances his way to another decision or Dubois unleashes the power that Allen says he’s capable of, one thing is certain: this rematch will define the future of the heavyweight division.
In boxing, styles make fights—and rivalries write history.
Let the second chapter begin.