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Daniel Dubois has warned Canelo Álvarez that he will lose $500,000 on Saturday night after the Mexican superstar placed a sizeable bet against him. Álvarez, the richest and most celebrated fighter in contemporary boxing, is convinced that Oleksandr Usyk will beat Dubois at Wembley Stadium for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
“It don’t mean nothing me,” Dubois said at Thursday’s press conference when he was asked about Álvarez’s expensive prediction. “It don’t mean shit to me. He’s going to lose his money. From now on I’m just focused.”
The 27-year-old Dubois, the IBF champion who wore a utilitarian grey tracksuit and black baseball cap, suggested that “I’m going to write my own script now”, before adding: “I’ve prepared right. I’m on a different level now. I’m ready to go through whatever I need to on Saturday and take them belts. I’m chasing glory and I’m chasing greatness. This is history-making and I’m going to do a real demolition job. I’m hungry and ready for it.”
Dubois is 11 years younger than Usyk – the WBA, WBC and WBO title-holder who was far more nattily dressed in a flowing white gown, white jacket, black shirt and trousers and black Cossack hat – and he addressed their difference in age: “It’s facts. I’m a young lion and I’ve got to take over, be the man and execute him.”
Usyk responded with his characteristically light touch. “Listen, I respect this young guy,” he said of Dubois. “He’s motivated but I am too. I’m not an old guy. 38 is not old. We will see on Saturday – it’s God’s will.”
The Ukrainian, who has become such a symbol of defiant inspiration to his country during the long and bloody onslaught from Russia, pointed out the fight’s deeper resonance for him. “Every time I fight it’s important for me and my team but now it’s very important for my country and for the soldiers, because it is motivation for my people.”
Asked if he had been “rattled” by Dubois’s new-found confidence since Usyk defeated him in August 2023, the unbeaten champion looked suitably puzzled. It took a few attempts before he understood the meaning of the word and responded with a smile and a shrug: “No, I not feel.”
Don Charles, Dubois’ trainer, had tried to goad Usyk by questioning his religious faith at the press conference in April. He was more circumspect this time: “I’ve normally got a lot to say but all the talking has been done. It’s now time for action. Please tune in, those at home, and those in attendance get behind Daniel Dubois. Let’s make history together. Come on. Let’s go.”
Usyk responded more cryptically. “Don’t push the horses,” he advised Charles.
“Pardon me?” the bewildered trainer replied.
“Don’t push the horses.”
Charles shook his head. “I need a translator.”
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“OK, I translate,” said Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s long-time friend and a key member in his camp. Lapin then repeated the exact same mysterious words in English: “Don’t push the horses.”
“I think he’s trying to gee you up,” Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren quipped to Charles.
Usyk was more clear when asked if he will win by stoppage. “Yeah, I believe this,” he said quietly.
Dubois, meanwhile, insisted: “I’m looking forward to the fight. I’m up for it. I feel I’m at the peak of my powers and it’s going to be a great performance.”
The ritual face-off was just as routine as the two men stared into each other’s eyes. Usyk didn’t blink once before Dubois turned away after 35 seconds to orchestrate, slightly awkwardly, a chant of “Du-bois … Du-bois … Du-bois …” from his backers.
He resumed the stare-down for another 10 seconds before walking away with his team.
Usyk remained centre-stage, holding three fingers high on both hands, as he silently promised to become an undisputed world champion for a third time, having previously achieved this feat at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. A champion as experienced and hardened as Usyk knows that such performative trifles won’t matter much on fight night. But Álvarez, a serious poker player as well as a gambler and a fighter, will have been pleased that this little game of bluff was won by Usyk.
