Lennox Lewis: Dubois Has the Power to Trouble Usyk – But Where's AJ?
With anticipation building for the fight in Poland on August 26th, many are debating whether Dubois can overcome the formidable skills of Usyk, the unified champion. Lewis, a former undisputed heavyweight champion himself, isn't dismissing Dubois' potential. “I think Dubois has the physical tools to cause him problems,” Lewis stated in an interview. “He’s big, he’s strong, he can hit hard. Usyk is a fantastic fighter, but he’s not invincible.”
Lewis highlighted Dubois' size and power as key factors. Usyk, while technically brilliant and possessing incredible footwork, has occasionally been vulnerable against heavier punchers. Dubois, standing at 6’5” and boasting significant knockout power, represents a genuine threat in this regard. The young Brit's ability to withstand Usyk's pressure and land clean shots will be crucial.
However, Lewis' comments weren't solely focused on Dubois. He also expressed bewilderment at the lack of discussion surrounding Anthony Joshua, Dubois’ former rival. Joshua suffered a shocking defeat to Usyk in 2021 and a rematch loss in 2022, failing to regain his titles. “You don’t hear much about AJ anymore. It’s strange,” Lewis remarked. “He’s a former champion, and he’s still a dangerous fighter. But he’s been quiet.”
Lewis’ observation raises a valid point. Joshua's recent inactivity and struggles against Usyk have seemingly faded him from the heavyweight conversation. While Dubois is currently vying for the undisputed crown, Joshua’s potential role in the future of the division remains uncertain. Many speculate that Joshua needs to significantly rebuild his confidence and form before even considering another challenge for the titles.
The Dubois vs. Usyk fight promises to be a compelling encounter. Dubois is the underdog, but Lewis' assessment suggests he has a fighting chance. Dubois will need to utilize his size and power effectively, while avoiding Usyk's intricate defensive maneuvers. For Dubois to succeed, he must impose his physicality and keep Usyk at a distance, preventing the champion from dictating the pace of the fight. A victory for Dubois would be a monumental upset and would dramatically reshape the heavyweight landscape.
Ultimately, Lennox Lewis' insights provide valuable perspective as we approach this crucial heavyweight clash. He acknowledges Dubois' potential while also reminding us of the complexities of the division and the lingering questions surrounding Anthony Joshua’s future.