Frank Warren has backed Daniel Dubois to deliver a career-defining victory over Oleksandr Usyk tonight at Wembley Stadium and believes it would go down as the biggest achievement by a British heavyweight if he becomes undisputed champion.
Speaking to Mail Sport ahead of the historic showdown, Warren said Dubois not only has the physical attributes to trouble Usyk but also the mental strength, maturity and motivation to pull off something no Brit has ever done before.
‘Nobody’s ever done it. It’s never happened with a Brit,’ Warren said. ‘So the achievement is No 1. I don’t even think it would be an upset. It’s a magnificent fight. These are the two best heavyweights on the planet right now. That’s what this is. The Blue Ribbon division, the best fighting the best.’
Warren said Dubois had undergone a huge transformation since the first fight between the two, which ended in controversy after a low blow ruling halted what some believed was his momentum.
‘He was overtraining back then,’ Warren admitted. ‘He’d train with Martin, then go home and train again. Your body has to recover, you can’t do that. Now, he’s matured mentally, and he’s found the right balance.’
The Hall of Fame promoter also revealed how important Dubois’ father remains in his life and career, claiming he is a driving force that continues to shape his mentality.
Frank Warren has backed Daniel Dubois to deliver a career-defining victory over Oleksandr Usyk and believes it would go down as the biggest achievement by a British heavyweight
Usyk (left) and Dubois (right) will go toe-to-toe at Wembley Stadium this evening
As part of his evolution, Dubois stripped back his weight training during camp to focus on mobility and speed – something Warren said was key for dealing with Usyk’s movement
When asked whether the undisputed crown was his goal or his father’s, Warren said: ‘I think it’s both. Daniel fights for himself and for his dad. That will never change. His dad’s a huge presence.’
Warren went on to add: ‘Every time we met, you could see the dynamic between them. His dad was always the voice in the room. But Daniel’s matured. He’s really grown up.’
As part of his evolution, Dubois stripped back his weight training during camp to focus on mobility and speed – something Warren said was essential for dealing with Usyk’s movement and ring IQ.
‘You’ve got to have speed, got to be mobile,’ he explained. ‘You’ve got to push Usyk onto the back foot. He’s not the same guy going backwards. You saw it when Tyson Fury backed him up, there was one round where Fury wobbled him.
‘He moans when he gets hit to the body, he’s done it in the amateurs and nobody really picked up on that. That’s what Daniel has to do. Usyk’s going to come for him, try to take the fight out of him early. That’s what makes this exciting.’
Warren, who has promoted countless major nights in British boxing, said he believed Dubois could handle the pressure of the biggest night of his career – especially with the support of the home crowd.
‘This is back-to-back Wembley fights for Daniel. I don’t think anyone’s done that. He’s going in first again. So he’s got to be mentally strong, got to be focused. If he does what Hamzah Sheeraz did, stays disciplined and switched on, he can win this sensationally.
‘He has the tools to beat Usyk.’
Dubois (right) knocked out Joshua (left) in the fifth round of their IBF heavyweight title fight at Wembley stadium in September 2024
Wembley was stunned as Joshua failed to recover from a brutal right-hook in the fifth round
Tonight’s atmosphere is expected to be unique, with Usyk receiving boos from some sections of the UK crowd despite his popularity, and Dubois stepping into the unusual position of crowd favourite.
‘Daniel loves being the underdog but now he’s the guy they’re cheering for,’ Warren said. ‘Last time, when Usyk fought at Wembley, people warmed to him. They didn’t like him at first, but they all ended up cheering him. The Brits like him and they should, he’s a magnificent champion. But now it’s Daniel’s moment. And I think he’ll like that.’
Asked whether Usyk appeared rattled this week and whether Dubois had looked more aggressive, Warren was measured.
‘Maybe a little. Usyk speaks English now, understands what’s being said. But he’s not the kind of guy to get in your face. His team have tried a few moves, sure, but you’re not going to get that big shouting match. It is what it is.’
Still, Warren insisted the fight would be determined not by mind games or press conferences, but by the decisions Dubois makes in the ring and his ability to take control early.
‘He needs to stick it on him. Whack him downstairs. Usyk backs off when he gets caught to the body. He’s shown that before.’
Now, Dubois stands on the brink of making British boxing history. And Warren believes he’s ready.