Oleksandr Usyk has predicted Anthony Joshua will beat Daniel Dubois when the British duo compete in September for the IBF heavyweight world title vacated by the Ukrainian.
Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in Could to develop into undisputed champion of the heavyweight division however, after agreeing a December rematch of that bout, will vacate one of many 4 titles he holds to allow one other title conflict to happen.
The chief beneficiaries of that call are two-time world champion Joshua and former world title challenger Dubois, who will struggle dwell on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
In an unique interview with Sky Information on the Ukrainian embassy in London, at which Usyk was current to see UK autos being donated to his nation, the champion gave his prediction.
“I think it’s AJ,” Usyk stated.
“I respect both of these guys, but I predict Anthony.”
Usyk beat Joshua to develop into a unified heavyweight world champion in 2021 earlier than profitable a rematch the next 12 months to retain the titles, with each victories coming by way of factors choices.
Dubois was stopped within the ninth spherical as he challenged Usyk for his belts in 2023, however there was controversy as a fifth-round physique shot that floored the champion was adjudged to have been a low blow, that means the referee gave him time to recuperate.
Usyk, who’s scheduled to face Fury on December 21 in Saudi Arabia, insisted he was completely satisfied to surrender his standing as undisputed champion as he believes doing so is “great” for boxing.
He stated: “It’s good. IBF does not take my belt, I give my belt for Anthony Joshua and Dubois.
“As a result of for me, it is necessary that my sport, boxing develops.
“But if I take four belts, OK, what? I have four. I must defend IBF. Now it’s not possible because we have rematch.
“Okay, no drawback. It is good when completely different sportsmen have belts. For me, it is good. For boxing, it is nice.”
Do not miss the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois IBF heavyweight title conflict dwell on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace on September 21