Daniel Dubois has shrugged off Canelo Álvarez's $500,000 bet against him, warning the Mexican superstar he will lose his money on Saturday night. Álvarez, boxing's richest and most celebrated current fighter, is convinced Oleksandr Usyk will beat Dubois at Wembley Stadium for the undisputed heavyweight championship.
“It don’t mean nothing me,” Dubois said at Thursday's press conference. “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 IBF champion, dressed in a utilitarian tracksuit and black baseball cap, added: “I’m going to write my own script now. 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.”
Dubois, 11 years younger than Usyk, addressed the age gap: “It’s facts. I’m a young lion and I’ve got to take over, be the man and execute him.” Usyk, the WBA, WBC and WBO champion, responded with characteristic lightness: “Listen, I respect this young guy. He’s motivated but I am too. 38 is not old. We will see on Saturday – it’s God’s will.” The Ukrainian also highlighted the fight's deeper meaning for his country amid the war with Russia: “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.”
When asked if he had been “rattled” by Dubois' confidence, Usyk appeared puzzled before smiling and shrugging: “No, I not feel.” Dubois' trainer Don Charles was more restrained than in previous press conferences: “I’ve normally got a lot to say but all the talking has been done. It’s now time for action.” Usyk cryptically advised Charles: “Don’t push the horses,” a phrase his aide Sergey Lapin repeated in English. Dubois' promoter Frank Warren quipped: “I think he’s trying to gee you up.”
Usyk, when asked if he would win by stoppage, said quietly: “Yeah, I believe this.” Dubois 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 face-off was routine, with Usyk not blinking for 35 seconds before Dubois turned away to orchestrate a chant from his supporters. Usyk remained centre-stage, holding three fingers high on both hands, silently promising to become an undisputed champion for a third time.
