The Loser Teaches the Winner? Tyson Fury Guides Dubois on How to Beat Usyk

The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most anticipated boxing events of 2025 as Daniel Dubois prepares to take on the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, in a rematch at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on July 19. While the stakes could not be higher for Dubois, he has recently received words of encouragement and advice from an unlikely source—Tyson Fury, the former WBC heavyweight champion and the last man to have shared a ring with Usyk in back-to-back epic encounters.

Despite losing twice to Usyk himself, Fury remains one of the most respected voices in heavyweight boxing. And now, he’s offering guidance to the younger Dubois as the Brit looks to accomplish what Fury could not—defeat Oleksandr Usyk and claim the undisputed throne.

Fury Reflects on His Own Battles with Usyk

Tyson Fury’s remarks come just weeks after his own second defeat to Usyk, in a fight many observers viewed as razor-close. Fury, who had long proclaimed himself as the best heavyweight of his era, fought Usyk in May 2024 and then again in March 2025, suffering back-to-back defeats. The first fight was a close split-decision loss, while the second saw Usyk adapt and win more decisively on the scorecards.

Still, Fury remains confident in his assessment of Usyk’s vulnerabilities. Speaking candidly, Fury said:

“I don’t know. Dubois’ very young, ambitious, big strong man. Usyk’s very experienced but again, he’s coming off of two fights with me which is debatable whether he won or not, which he did win and that’s all that matters. He’s 38 years old.”

Fury’s tone suggests a belief that Usyk may be slowing down—his age, combined with the physical and mental toll of their grueling encounters, could create an opening for a younger, fresher fighter like Dubois.

“Knock Him Out” — Fury’s Blunt Advice to Dubois

Never one to sugarcoat his opinions, Fury offered a straightforward game plan for Dubois:

“[My advice would be] knock him out … Actually, I wouldn’t say that because it’s in England and it’s his home show. Just do the best you can. He hurt him before with a body shot, put him down heavily, so maybe he can hurt him again.”

Fury is referencing the controversial moment in the pair’s first fight in 2023, where Dubois landed a punch that dropped Usyk. The shot was ruled a low blow, sparking fierce debate in boxing circles about whether it was a legal body shot. Usyk took several minutes to recover before ultimately rallying to stop Dubois in the ninth round. But the moment proved that the British fighter could hurt the Ukrainian champion—a psychological edge Dubois has carried into the rematch.

Dubois: Rebuilding and Rebounding Since Defeat

Since that night in Poland, Daniel Dubois has been on a tear, silencing doubters and rebuilding his reputation as a legitimate heavyweight contender. He has scored three career-defining wins:

• Jarrell Miller: A dominant TKO victory against the outspoken American.

• Filip Hrgovic: A technical masterclass and a convincing win over one of Europe’s top heavyweights.

• Anthony Joshua: Perhaps his most stunning triumph, Dubois upset Joshua in an all-British blockbuster, sending shockwaves through the heavyweight landscape.

These victories have transformed Dubois from a dangerous prospect into a world-class contender, capable of challenging the very best in the division.

Usyk’s Path to History

For Oleksandr Usyk, the July 19 bout is about more than just defending his titles. A win would cement his legacy as a two-time undisputed world champion, having previously conquered the cruiserweight division before repeating the feat at heavyweight. No fighter in modern history has unified both divisions in the four-belt era.

But the task ahead will not be easy. Usyk, now 38 years old, is coming off two physically taxing battles with Fury. While his movement and ring IQ remain among the best in the sport, there are questions about whether his body can hold up against another young, powerful challenger.

Usyk, ever the consummate professional, remains unfazed by the speculation. Speaking to media, he recently stated:

“Pressure doesn’t exist when you create it. I train, I focus, and I control what I can. The rest is noise.”

The Controversy That Still Lingers

The first fight between Dubois and Usyk remains a hot topic. Many in Dubois’ camp, including his trainer Don Charles, maintain that the shot which floored Usyk was legal.

“The referee stole the fight from Daniel that night,” Charles said earlier this year. “He landed a perfect body shot, and Usyk couldn’t continue for several minutes. In any other fight, that’s a knockout win for Dubois.”

Usyk’s team vehemently disagreed, maintaining that the blow landed below the beltline. The referee, Luis Pabon, backed by video replay, ruled it a foul.

This controversy has fueled Dubois’ hunger for redemption. He insists he will not leave the rematch in the judges’ hands.

“I’m not looking for controversy this time. I’m looking to end the fight cleanly, on my terms, and take those belts back to England where they belong,” Dubois declared confidently.

A Clash of Styles

The fight promises to be a battle of contrasting approaches:

• Usyk: A technical wizard, renowned for his footwork, feints, and ability to adapt mid-fight. He’ll look to frustrate Dubois, drag the fight deep, and drown him in volume and movement.

• Dubois: A pure puncher with explosive power in both hands. He’ll aim to cut off the ring, punish Usyk to the body, and test the Ukrainian’s durability.

The key to the fight may lie in the early rounds. If Dubois can assert himself physically, as Fury attempted, and find success to the body, he could replicate the difficulties Usyk faced previously. But if Usyk survives the storm and settles into his rhythm, it could be another long, frustrating night for the British challenger.

The Bigger Picture: Fury’s Future and the Heavyweight Landscape

Tyson Fury’s commentary has sparked fresh interest in a potential third fight between him and Usyk. While Fury has hinted at retirement, his recent social media posts suggest he is still hungry for redemption.

Fury also has a vested interest in the outcome of Usyk vs. Dubois. If Dubois wins, Fury could seek an all-British mega-fight against the new champion. If Usyk retains his titles, Fury will likely continue his pursuit of a trilogy bout to reclaim the heavyweight crown.

Meanwhile, other contenders such as Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, and Jared Anderson are all circling the winner, adding intrigue to what is once again a vibrant heavyweight division.

Predictions and Public Sentiment

Bookmakers have installed Usyk as the favorite, based on his previous win and more complete boxing skillset. However, the odds have narrowed since Dubois’ victories over Joshua and Hrgovic.

Pundits are split:

• Some believe Dubois’ power and youth will be too much for an aging Usyk.

• Others think Usyk’s intelligence, experience, and conditioning will prove decisive once again.

Fury, for his part, seems to believe Dubois has the tools but stops short of predicting an outright win:

“He hurt him before with a body shot, put him down heavily, so maybe he can hurt him again.”

The Final Word: Can Dubois Finish What He Started?

On July 19 at Wembley, in front of a sold-out crowd, Daniel Dubois will have his second chance at glory. For Usyk, it’s about legacy, pride, and proving that he is still the king of the heavyweights. For Dubois, it’s about redemption—and fulfilling the promise that many believed he carried when he first burst onto the scene.

Whatever happens, this fight will answer one of boxing’s biggest questions: Can the power of youth dethrone the wisdom of a champion?