Krassyuk on Joshua, Dubois, and Retirement: "Perhaps It's Time"
The head of K2 Promotions and CBDO of Ready to Fight, Alexander Krassyuk, shared his thoughts on the IBF heavyweight title fight between Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) and Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs). He also spoke about the preparation of WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) for his upcoming rematch against Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs).
— Alex, great to see you. We just returned from Oleksandr and the rest of the team. He was greeted with cheers on his way back. He’s a true legend here, as we know. But let's talk about what we just witnessed: 96,000 fans, and what a performance from Daniel Dubois against all odds. AJ, with all his fanbase, experience, and résumé, was literally torn apart.
— But this time, we only saw AJ's face and body – we didn’t see his heart or soul. I can’t explain it. I have no justification for what he did in the ring. He didn’t defend himself at all. His right hand was just hanging by his chest. He took a shot. Okay, you get knocked down in the first round – that happens. You get up and keep fighting. But for some reason, his team jumped into the ring before the count was over.
— It seemed like he never recovered from Dubois' onslaught and impressive jab. It looked like nobody could have stopped Dubois that night.
— Yes, but to beat Dubois, you have to box. You have to work behind the jab, set up the right hand or an uppercut with footwork. But there was no footwork. He was just walking flat-footed. I can’t explain it. That wasn’t the man we knew.
— Do you think there’s a chance this could be the end for AJ?
— I can’t make that decision for him, but maybe it’s time for him to think about his family and his future outside the ring. It’s his choice, but he needs to seriously consider it.
— Oleksandr was ringside with Tyson Fury. He joked with me about everything. A bit of fun before things get serious in camp.
— Tyson is a great guy. I mean, a great champion, a strong fighter. And a great person. We’ll feel the tension before the fight, as we always do, but outside the ring, it’s different. Right now, before the camps start, they act this way. Then they become rivals, almost enemies. But after the fight, they’ll be friends again.
— Is Ready to Fight prepared to help find sparring partners for Oleksandr? This is serious business now, right, Alex?
— Not just for Oleksandr . Maybe it’s also a chance for Tyson to find sparring partners as well. Finding southpaws who can mimic Usyk’s style is a big deal. Ready to Fight can really help him in his camp because we want Tyson to be at his best.
— Lastly, Oleksandr is almost like a hometown hero here in Britain. We love him here.
— We love him everywhere because he’s genuine, he’s a true champion, and he’s shown something we rarely see.
In May, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. Their rematch is set for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
On September 21, Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in London, UK – with knockdowns in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th rounds. After the final knockdown, Joshua was unable to rise by the end of the count. KO 5.