Usyk Reveals What He Told Dubois in the Ring

The undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk explained what he said to Daniel Dubois moments after stopping him in round five of their rematch.

– Right after the fight you walked to his corner and whispered something in his ear. What exactly did you say?

– “You’ve still got a chance to win another belt — after I’m gone,” (laughs). The guy took an Ivan‑punch and felt down, so I wanted to show some human support.

I carry no negativity or malice toward my rivals. Well, there’s one who cursed at me and even insulted my mother — Marco Huck. I’ve no feelings for him; I’d beat him again gladly. He talked trash and I punished him hard.

At our first press conference he shoved me. Someone commented: ‘They told him to shove — but never explained what to do next.’

Most of what happens before a fight — press conferences, words, antics — is a big show. If someone’s a bit short on brains, he’ll spout nonsense or act the fool. You can hype a bout without getting dirty.

A lot of European and world fighters think trash talk sells the fight, the game — whatever. Some try to get under my skin, but it doesn’t work. I know how the game works; I’ve studied human psychology for years, said Usyk.

On 19 July Oleksandr Usyk (24‑0, 15 KOs) knocked out Daniel Dubois (22‑3, 21 KOs) in round five—their second meeting, after Usyk stopped Dubois in round nine of their first encounter.

Photo: Al Jazeera