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Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois: Keys to victory for both fighters

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois: Keys to victory for both fightersMatchroom

The biggest prize in boxing is on the line this Saturday night as Oleksandr Usyk defends his heavyweight crown against Daniel Dubois in Poland. 

Both men have talked up their chances during the buildup but how will each fighter go about their job in the hope of securing victory? 

Here, DAZN looks at the tactics that both men could employ. 

Daniel Dubois' keys to victory

Roll the dice 

Dubois’ sole defeat came against Joe Joyce in 2020 and it’s a fight he probably looks back on with plenty of regrets. 

Joyce was allowed to build an early lead with an excellent jab, but it appeared that Dubois just wouldn’t throw caution to the wind to install some authority on the bout. 

If he’s passive against Usyk, then the Ukrainian will make things unpleasant in a heartbeat. Dubois needs to attack and do it early. 

Don’t be overwhelned by the occasion 

Usyk is no stranger to world title fights at the highest level, but this is unchartered territory for Dubois and he’ll either sink or swim. 

Fights don’t come much bigger than this and if Dubois can’t use the occasion to bring the best out of himself then he may struggle from the outset. 

Make it untidy 

David Haye has spoken this week about Dubois risking a points deduction and it could be the best advice he receives all week. 

Usyk in a rhythm is virtually unbeatable and if he gets into one then Dubois could endure a short night. Try and disturb Usyk with rough tactics and prevent him from getting comfortable. 

Oleksandr Usyk's keys to victory 

Use superior footwork 

Defensively, and on the front foot, Oleksandr Usyk is a master with his feet. This is one area he has a big advantage, and he can make Daniel Dubois waste plenty of energy by forcing him to work at a fast pace. 

Usyk has used this tactic in the vast majority of his fights and it is one of his greatest assets, and if he can make Dubois go flat out from the first bell, he’ll surely slow him down in the fight’s second half. 

Make a quick start 

Dubois’ last outing against Kevin Lerena was almost a disaster and although the Londoner got the win, it was a shocking performance. 

This is Dubois’ first fight since he faced Lerena and if any doubts have creeped in due to the nature of how he performed last time out, Usyk should try and find them early and see if he can capitalise. 

Be ready for plenty of fighting on the inside 

One tactic Dubois is expected to use is to get close to Usyk to see if his size plays a telling part. Derek Chisora applied the same strategy against Usyk and had some success, but can Dubois do the same? 

He’s younger than Chisora and also has less miles on the clock, but Usyk will be fully aware of that. If this fight is fought up close for the duration of the bout, Usyk will need to match Dubois for stamina and be ready to gut it out.