Former Super Middleweight World Champion George Groves has called Tyson Fury “out of shape” as he discussed Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk’s upcoming rematch at Wembley.
Fury is hoping for a trilogy with Usyk in April next year, but before then, the Ukrainian has to go through Dubois.
The pair are set for a rematch this Saturday for undisputed rights to the heavyweight division.
The duo first faced off in 2023, with Usyk winning the matchup with a knockout in the ninth round. There was some controversy around the match, however. Dubois dropped Usyk with a body shot in the fifth round, but it was ruled a low blow.
Tyson Fury is set for a trilogy against Oleksandr Usyk next year
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Groves believes that Dubios has the chance to shock Usyk, claiming the Ukrainian has tailed off since he beat Fury: “Dubois has to jump on him early. Usyk likes to settle into a fight and build round by round.
"Maybe we’ve already started to see Usyk decline a bit. He climbed Everest by beating Fury - something many didn’t think he could do. Fury was out of shape for the rematch, but Usyk still did the job.”
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Dubois has a 22-2 record, recording 21 knockouts throughout his career, while Usky remains undefeated following his two wins against Fury.
Groves believes the key to victory for the Englishman is a quick start:
“He needs to start fast, land something big to the body, and hope for the best. I’d say he’s got a better shot now than he did in their first fight, and a better shot than Fury did," he added.
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Daniel Dubois aims to unify the titles against Oleksandr Usyk
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Groves recounted to Lottoland what Dubois needs to learn from the first fight; “Last time, Usyk stopped him with a jab. Dubois ran out of gas and ideas. He can’t do that again.”
The former Super Middleweight world champion also gave his take on Usyk heading into the matchup.
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"Maybe time is catching up with him. Maybe his desire is fading," he continued.
“Still, in his training camp, he's looked really sharp. Same for Dubois. And this time, Dubois has home advantage, but Usyk always travels well”.
Anthony Joshua could face Tyson Fury if Oleksandr Usyk loses on Saturday
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The bout with Fury next year will only go ahead should Usyk win his bout against Dubois; if the Ukrainian loses, a match-up between Fury and Anthony Joshua may be on the cards.