Daniel Dubois has climbed back to the heavyweight summit, securing the WBO title in a gruelling war against Fabio Wardley on May 9. That victory, defined by grit and a newfound composure under fire, has ignited serious discussions about a third chapter in his rivalry with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Promoter Frank Warren, who has guided Dubois through every high and low, is now convinced the 28-year-old Londoner possesses the mental fortitude to finally solve the Ukrainian puzzle.
The history between Dubois and Usyk is painted in painful lessons. Their first encounter in 2023, for the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts in Poland, saw Dubois land a borderline body shot that floored Usyk, only for the champion to recover and systematically break down the challenger before a ninth-round stoppage. The rematch in 2025, with the undisputed crown on the line, was even more definitive – Usyk ended matters in the fifth round, leaving Dubois searching for answers. Back-to-back losses to a generational talent defined by his own mental strength could have shattered lesser fighters, but Dubois has rebuilt with methodical determination.
Warren pinpointed the Wardley bout as the transformative moment. "He's grown up mentally," Warren told Sky Sports. "Physically, he's there but mentally he's grown into this now and I would like to see that fight again, I really would." The promoter’s desire for a trilogy isn’t born from blind loyalty; it reflects what he witnessed ringside – a fighter who absorbed pressure, adjusted tactically, and emerged victorious from an epic brawl. "It was a tough fight, but I genuinely believe that fight will bring him on even more," Warren added. "He applied himself. His focus was there and his determination came through for him."
Performance analyst Mohammed Ali echoed the sentiment, dissecting the mental aspect that has evolved. He conceded Usyk’s vast experience was the separator in their previous meetings, but insisted the gap is narrowing. "Usyk has a very scientific approach... and his approach was very calm, very collected," Ali explained. "The experience that Usyk has over Daniel, that's all it was. However if there was a third fight, I can guarantee you it would be the same approach of what you saw with Fabio and even better." That conviction stems from a revamped training methodology designed to maximise Dubois’ performances inside and outside the squared circle – a holistic upgrade that sharpens both mind and body.
Dubois’ resurgence since the second Usyk defeat paints a picture of a man on a mission. After claiming the IBF interim title, he shockingly knocked out Anthony Joshua in 2024 – a result no opponent had managed with such finality. That victory forced the boxing world to take notice, but the subsequent loss to Usyk reminded everyone of the levels within the division. Now, with the WBO belt back in his possession, Dubois stands at a crossroads: pursue other lucrative options or chase the man who has twice derailed him. Warren, ever the tactician, sees the trilogy as the ultimate proving ground. "You know it'll be a fight while it lasts," he noted, hinting at the explosive nature a third instalment would carry.
A third fight carries massive stakes beyond personal redemption. For Dubois, a win over Usyk would redefine his legacy, catapulting him from a talented contender to an era-defining champion. Warren has already floated Hall of Fame credentials, drawing parallels to Joshua’s induction. "When you look at AJ being elected... he beat AJ. He done a job that no one else done on AJ," Warren argued, positioning Dubois as a fighter whose resume already boasts rare achievements. Toppling the unbeaten Usyk, however, would eclipse even that – it would avenge two defeats and solidify his place among the heavyweight greats.
The division’s landscape adds urgency. Usyk, at 38, remains the undisputed ruler but cannot outrun time indefinitely. A trilogy bout late in 2026 or early 2027 could represent the Ukrainian’s final marquee challenge before considering retirement. For Dubois, the timing aligns with his peak years – physically prime and now, crucially, mentally hardened. The narrative arc is compelling: a young lion who has tasted bitter defeat but returns wiser, hungrier, and armed with the lessons only adversity can teach.
While the boxing schedule churns forward – with Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki set for June 6 live on Sky Sports – the heavyweight scene revolves around unresolved business. Dubois vs Usyk 3 is not yet official, but the drumbeat from Warren and the confident pronouncements from Dubois’ camp suggest negotiations are more than mere fantasy. The mental component, so often the missing piece in Dubois’ arsenal, has become the cornerstone of his evolution. If the Londoner can stay composed amid Usyk’s relentless pressure and subtle traps, the third time could indeed be the charm. Based on reporting from Sky Sports.