Dave Allen has surprisingly backed Daniel Dubois to beat Oleksandr Usyk in their July 19 rematch.
The first time the fighters went toe-to-toe in 2023, Dubois floored Usyk with what the referee Luis Pabon ruled as a low-blow.
Almost two years later after Usyk won their first bout, they are now set for a rematch where Dubois will be seeking his revenge.
Ahead of the undisputed heavyweight show, Dave Allen spoke with talkSPORT to share his prediction for July 19th: “I think Dubois will win. I like Usyk, me and him do get on very well.”
Allen has sparred with the greats of the heavyweight division, although he believes Usyk doesn’t place on that list.
He continued: “I think it’s about timing really, he’s nearing 40 and he’s not physically built like a heavyweight.
“I don’t think he’s a heavyweight at all, he could fight at cruiserweight still now.
“I just think this is the right time for Daniel Dubois to beat Usyk and become undisputed champion.
“I think it’s the timing. Daniel Dubois is getting better with every fight, and he’s improving dramatically.”
Allen has famously claimed that he was ‘knocked out’ in sparring by Usyk.
So his prediction comes at a surprise, but he has also shared practice rounds with Dubois.
Since being in the ring with Usyk, Dubois has made significant strides forward in his career. After winning against Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, a stoppage over Anthony Joshua in 2024 saw him retain the IBF world title.
Usyk, on the other hand, has had two victories over Tyson Fury off the back of fighting Dubois in Poland.
After the referee ruled Dubois’ shot as a low blow, Usyk requested a rest break which then played in his favour as he went on to win the bout.
During the press conference launch earlier this year, the debates have continue to spiral between the teams on whether or not Dubois’ body shot was legal.
“I don’t think about these people [who say he cheated] because it is just talking. Listen, boxing is my life,” he said.
“A lot of people said ‘you won’t make heavyweight’ or be a four-belt cruiserweight. You know what I say? We’ll see.
After the 38-year-old presented a printed image of the shot for him sign, Dubois then added to the media: “Yeah [I was cheated] but it is in the past now.
“It happened and I get the chance to put that wrong right and clear up the controversy. There is a lot of sh*t being talked about right now and I can’t wait to put him to sleep on the night.
“I think I am on fire now, I’m on fire and just pent up and ready to go. It is going to be a bloodbath and I will put all the nonsense to rest. I will show I am a man of the future.”
Tensions have been growing since the original bout, with mind games set to continue in the approach to fight week.
The winner of this hotly anticipated rematch will earn the right to be named the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
It will be a career best victory for Dubois if he is able to pull it off, but he will likely have the backing of the partisan British crowd at Wembley Stadium.
