Daniel Dubois is increasingly being spoken of by prominent figures within the boxing world as potentially the best heavyweight on the planet. This surge in praise follows his devastating, destructive two-round beatdown of Fabio Wardley in their eagerly anticipated rematch, a performance that has sent shockwaves through the division. As the boxing community digests Dubois’s frightening display of raw power, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has weighed in on the heavyweight landscape, specifically assessing whether former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury would possess the necessary tools to get the better of the formidable fighter known as “Triple D.”
The explosive rematch came just five months after Dubois and Wardley delivered an unforgettable, brutal Fight of the Year candidate that left fans and pundits demanding a second installment. While the final outcome of the weekend clash mirrored their first encounter—ending in a technical knockout victory for Dubois—the circumstances and the manner of the victory were drastically different. This time around, Dubois wasted very little time making easy work of the Ipswich fan-favourite. He caught Wardley flush and clean in the opening seconds of the contest, establishing a dominant physical presence and refusing to let his opponent settle into any kind of rhythm.
Wardley, known for his tremendous heart and resilience, never truly recovered from the early onslaught. The relentless pressure and concussive power proved to be too much to overcome under the bright lights, prompting cornerman Ben Davison to wisely throw in the towel during the second round to bring a decisive end to the one-sided clash. The stoppage cemented Dubois’s status as an elite force in the division and left observers marvelling at his aggressive execution.
Amidst the widespread discussions regarding Dubois’s newfound aura of invincibility, Eddie Hearn sat down for an interview with iFL TV to discuss the state of the heavyweight division. Naturally, the conversation turned to how Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury would fare if he were to share a ring with the dangerous WBO heavyweight champion. During the assessment, Hearn candidly admitted that he has observed major mental and emotional improvements in Dubois, a maturation process that has made the already physically imposing fighter significantly more dangerous than he was at earlier stages of his professional career.
Reflecting on Dubois’s evolution, Hearn pointed out that when a fighter steps into the ring against Dubois, the dynamic of the bout can shift and change at an alarming pace. He noted that while Dubois is undeniably and incredibly dangerous from the opening bell, there were historical questions about how he would handle adversity once an opponent managed to break him down physically and mentally. However, the Matchroom promoter is convinced that Dubois is actively overcoming those hurdles as he gains maturity and self-confidence.
Hearn addressed past criticisms regarding Dubois’s stoppage losses, particularly against elite operators like Joe Joyce and unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, where some critics accused the young heavyweight of quitting when the going got tough. Hearn offered a more nuanced perspective on those moments, suggesting that it was less about physical cowardice and more about the sheer magnitude of the situation becoming overwhelming for a younger, less experienced athlete. He noted that when the in-ring environment began to change rapidly against top-tier competition, the psychological burden simply proved to be too much for Dubois to process at the time. Crucially, Hearn emphasized that this perceived frailty is fading as Dubois grows both as a man and as a professional athlete.
Despite acknowledging these significant improvements in Dubois’s mental fortitude and competitive maturity, Hearn ultimately suggested that “The Gypsy King” could still find a path to victory. According to the veteran promoter, Fury would likely be able to overcome Dubois if he chose to adopt the aggressive, forward-moving “Kronk” style of approach. This is the very same tactical blueprint that Fury successfully deployed under coach Javan “SugarHill” Steward to twice trump and dismantle the fearsome knockout artist Deontay Wilder during their legendary trilogy.
To illustrate how Dubois can be neutralized when an opponent takes the initiative, Hearn drew a direct comparison to the undisputed championship fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Dubois. He recalled how Dubois came out aggressively for the first minute, trying to impose his will and backing Usyk up with a stiff, ramrod jab. However, rather than folding under the pressure, Usyk adjusted his tactics, stood his ground, and delivered a stark message to himself that he was not going to accept being bullied. Usyk took the fight directly to Dubois and systematically dismantled him.
Hearn highlighted the glaring physical disparity between the combatants, noting that Dubois is an absolute monster compared to Usyk in terms of sheer size and natural weight. Yet, despite being the smaller man, Usyk successfully backed Dubois up and, in Hearn’s words, beat the granny out of him through superior technique, conditioning, and unwavering resolve. Hearn stressed that any fighter stepping into the ring with Dubois must possess those exact qualities—they have to be good enough and tough enough to withstand the initial wave of pressure. According to Hearn, if an elite heavyweight is willing and able to take the fight to Dubois and weather the storm, they can find a way to beat him.
At the same time, Hearn was careful not to downplay the immense threat that Dubois currently poses to anyone in the division. He reminded listeners that Dubois is exceptionally heavy-handed, possesses the natural proportions of a big lump, and, most importantly, is currently riding a wave of supreme confidence. That combination of devastating punching power and psychological self-belief is precisely what makes the reigning WBO champion such a perilous assignment for any contender or titleholder looking to unify or conquer the division.
As the heavyweight landscape continues to shift rapidly, both fighters have massive assignments and future career milestones on the horizon. Tyson Fury is scheduled to step back into the spotlight for a high-stakes, blockbuster showdown against longtime rival Anthony Joshua in Cardiff, a bout that captures the imagination of the entire boxing world. Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois is widely expected to return to the squared circle in February to make the second defence of his WBO heavyweight title, where he will look to further cement his legacy and prove that his destructive performance against Fabio Wardley was merely the latest chapter in a long reign at the summit of the sport.
