The WBA has instructed Oleksandr Usyk to initiate talks with mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois for defending his unified heavyweight titles.
Dubois currently holds the WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight championship title, which he earned by defeating Trevor Bryan in the fourth round.
According to reports, the pair have a deadline of one month to negotiate for the fight, failing which a purse bid will be conducted before May 2nd, 2023.
This is not the fight that the boxing fans had been hoping for, given the breakdown in talks over an undisputed fight involving Tyson Fury.
While Dubois does pose a different threat, in reality, the Brit’s chances of causing an upset are very slim.
During his previous fight against Kevin Lerena, Dubois performed below his usual standards as he fell to the canvas on three occasions.
Although he eventually managed to defeat Lerena, he did incur some knee damage, leading to uncertainty about whether he was ready to face Usyk at this time.
The WBA Championships Committee ordered the bout between Heavyweight Super Champion Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.
The organization sent the communication to the parties today with a 30-day negotiation period starting on April 4 and ending on May 2 #UsykDubois
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) April 3, 2023
After all, boxing fans had been hoping for a different opponent, as Deontay Wilder was named the top contender by the WBA.
And that lack of enthusiasm, therefore, has shown on social media.
Social Media Reaction
Dubois didn't deserve this fight
— Catalonets10 (@catalonets10) April 3, 2023
Daniel 🤷🏼‍♂️ there’s others who deserve the opportunity before he does
— ArayosManagement (@ManagemeArayos) April 3, 2023
What an embarrassment of a fight.
— Ryan (@Beardma01066935) April 3, 2023