Oleksandr Usyk has given his final prediction for Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, backing Wardley to retain his WBO heavyweight title in Manchester.
Usyk has already beaten Dubois twice, with both fights ending inside the distance. Their most recent meeting came last July, when Usyk stopped Dubois to take away his IBF title and end a strong run that had included wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.
The Ukrainian has since mentioned the Wardley-Dubois winner as part of his three-fight plan, provided he first defeats Rico Verhoeven on May 23.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Usyk said he expects Wardley to win and made clear his respect for the champion. “I think Wardley win,” he said. “I want Fabio win because I think he deserves to win this fight. Good guy - I like him.”
A Wardley victory could create a fresh heavyweight title option for Usyk later this year, though the Ukrainian is still under pressure to deal with WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel after the Verhoeven fight.
Image Credit: BBC