Tyson Fury has launched a spirited defence of Daniel Dubois following criticism that the boxer quit during his July bout with Oleksandr Usyk.
The Gypsy King addressed the controversy on Instagram after Dubois faced accusations of giving up when he failed to continue following a knockdown.
"Here's the facts. The facts are, young Daniel D's best against one of the greatest champions that has ever been and he was not good enough he came up short," Fury stated on social media.
The WBC title holder dismissed suggestions that Dubois had shown cowardice, questioning what critics expected from the defeated fighter.
Tyson Fury has launched a spirited defence of Daniel Dubois following criticism that the boxer quit during his July bout with Oleksandr Usyk
|PA
"What do you want him to do? Die in the ring?" Fury asked.
The 36-year-old's perspective comes from his own experiences facing formidable opponents in the heavyweight division.
The Morecambe fighter endured a gruelling trilogy against Deontay Wilder, which featured numerous knockdowns across their three encounters between 2018 and 2021.
He emerged from that series with two victories and one draw, securing the WBC championship in the process. More recently, Fury has suffered his only professional defeats, losing twice to Usyk.
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Oleksandr Usyk delivered a brutal knockout to Daniel Dubois in the fifth round earlier this month
| ReutersThe Ukrainian fighter, who holds the distinction of being a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, has now defeated both Fury and Dubois.
Having faced the same opponent, Fury understands the challenge Dubois encountered when he stepped into the ring with Usyk in mid-July.
The Morecambe-based boxer also extended an invitation to Dubois to train with him in his hometown.
"And, if you ever want to do any training with a f****** real straight man, get yourself to Morecambe anytime you want kid because there is no jealousy here and there is no people putting this doubt in you," Fury offered.
He emphasised his belief that no boxer who steps into the ring deserves to be labelled a coward.
"There is no cowards in boxing. When you are in that ring and fighting world heavyweight champions, there is no cowards," Fury declared.
The former champion praised Dubois's journey from childhood to competing at the highest level.
"Get up Daniel Dubois!" Fury concluded in his message.
Dubois has pledged to mount a comeback following his loss to the Ukrainian champion. The former IBF titleholder has demonstrated resilience throughout his career, having previously recovered from defeats to rebuild his standing in the heavyweight division.
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Tyson Fury suffered two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk last year
| REUTERSHis ability to rebound from setbacks has earned him support from boxing observers who believe he possesses the qualities necessary to capture world honours again.
The 27-year-old's career trajectory, which Fury acknowledged began when Dubois was just eight years old, culminated in his opportunity to challenge for undisputed heavyweight supremacy.
Despite falling short against Usyk, many within boxing circles remain confident that Dubois will return to championship contention in the future.