Daniel Dubois is focusing on a trilogy combat against Oleksandr Usyk after a decisive coming-of-age victory over Fabio Wardley at The O2 Arena.
The WBO world champion dominated their rematch early on, knocking Wardley down after only 17 seconds before referee Steve Gray stopped the contest in the second spherical as the underdog continued to take heavy punishment.
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The efficiency locations Dubois firmly at the high of the heavyweight division, and he is now decided to avenge his two prior losses to the Ukrainian great, satisfied he now has the instruments required to defeat him.
Usyk gave up the WBC, WBA and IBF belts shortly after securing a late stoppage against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May. However, he intends to keep preventing, with promoter Frank Warren making ready to “get him back into the equation”.
“Definitely, definitely – I’d love that,” Dubois said. “We’re coming out on top this time. We’ve made our mistakes and we’re coming out on top.
“I need to proceed the momentum I’ve got from this combat and take it into the next one. I’ll combat whoever is next in line, whoever pays the most money!”
Daniel Dubois (left) launched a relentless assault at Fabio Wardley at The O2 Arena (Nick Potts/PA)
By overwhelming a tough opponent respected for his durability, Dubois signalled he is a fighter who has entered his prime while outside the ring he is also more at ease in the public gaze.
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Alongside last week’s revelation that he plays the harp, the 29-year-old Londoner is winning friends through his awkward sense of humour. But he is also impatient to line up his next opponent.
Usyk is one possibility, as is the winner of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua on December 11, IBF champion Filip Hrgovic, WBC belt holder Agit Kabayel and WBA king Murat Gassiev.
On the more distant horizon is a thunderous showdown with Moses Itauma and Warren expects there to be an undisputed champion within 18 months following a series of unification stadium fights.
“The title of the recreation is to get all 4 belts,” Warren said. “Daniel needs the 4 belts but so do the other guys and that’s what so thrilling because we’re making it occur. Let’s discover out who is the best.
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“When Daniel’s at his best, you’ve got to be some fighter to be able to take those shots. He’s a tremendous puncher and if he gets you in trouble, you’re in trouble.”
Wardley vowed to return following the second defeat of his profession but having lost twice to Dubois, taken heavy harm in the course of and had his technical limitations brutally uncovered, his place in the division is unclear.
Usyk relinquished the WBC, WBA and IBF belts soon after labouring to a late stoppage over kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May but is preventing on, with promoter Frank Warren prepared to ‘get him back into the equation’
Even during his ring stroll Dubois exuded menace but he denies the plan was to go after Wardley from the begin.
“No, it wasn’t deliberate, it just happened,” Dubois said. “I was just so on it and wasn’t going to be denied. I refused to lose.
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“There were a lot of mental scars for him, so I just had to carry him back to that place. It’s a reminiscence is not it.
“Fabio has got a great chin and is known for taking punishment but I was going through him with my punches. I had to pull myself back at times and reset.”
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