Daniel Dubois insists he is “100% ready” to face Oleksandr Usyk following the collapse in talks for a showdown between the Ukrainian and Tyson Fury.
Dubois, the WBA ‘regular’ belt holder is expected to receive his shot at full champion Usyk, who failed to seal a meeting with WBC titlist, Fury for April 29, with the WBA setting an April 1 deadline for contracts to be signed, before ordering a fight between their current champions.
The 25-year-old got off the canvas three times before stopping Kevin Lerena in three rounds in December to defend his WBA crown, sustaining a knee injury in the process, which has kept him on the sidelines.
However, the Londoner insists he has made a full recovery and is prepared to take on unified WBA ‘super’, WBO and IBF champion, Usyk next.
“I’m 100% ready to go,” Dubois told IFLTV.
“There’s no getting around me. I’m next in line and this is what it is.
“I’m not going anywhere. I want this shot and I’ve worked hard for this and here it is. Bring them on.”
Dubois has won four on the bounce since a devastating defeat to Joe Joyce in November 2020, capturing the title from previous champion, Trevor Bryan last June.
‘Dynamite’ would likely head in as a sizeable underdog against the two-weight world champion, but feels the 36-year-old has not faced a fighter like him before.
“I’m challenging him, I’m calling him out,” he added.
“I’m not looking at who he’s fought before, none of them are like me.
“I saw the [Derek] Chisora fight and Chisora did really well with him, probably the best anyone’s ever done with him so far I think in the pros.
“So, after seeing that and all of that, I’m up for the challenge and I want to shock the world.
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“I want to take him out, end the Usyk reign and start building a legacy for myself.
“If this is it, then let’s go.”
Fury and Usyk’s mega undisputed heavyweight title bout, reportedly fell through after both sides were unable to agree on a split for the rematch.
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Frank Warren, who promotes both Dubois and Fury, claimed the latter may decide to retire following the failed discussions, but said he is yet to discuss the next options for ‘The Gypsy King’.
Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn said he is keen to sit down with Queensberry CEO, George Warren to finally deliver a fight between ‘AJ’ and Fury, providing the former beats Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena next Saturday.
