'I’ll smash up my next few opponents': Daniel Dubois talks Fury vs Joshua, Jake Paul crossover and avenging Usyk defeats

As fans and journalists (including Ariel Helwani) have discovered during fight week, Daniel Dubois is a man of few words.

On May 9, Dubois will attempt to become a two-time heavyweight champion when he takes on fellow Brit and reigning WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley at the Co-op Live.

The fight is a tale of two very different journeys. Dubois was raised to become a boxer from an early age, honing his craft since primary school.

The Londoner made his professional debut in 2017, knocking out Marcus Kelly in just 35 seconds, having already built up an extensive amateur career during his formative years.

Wardley, meanwhile, had only just quit his job as a recruitment consultant before pursuing a professional boxing career, following four licensed white-collar bouts.

The pair also carry themselves very differently. Dubois shows little concern for media perception – even cutting short an interview with respected combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani during fight week – while Wardley is often seen well dressed, presenting a calm and composed character.

SPORTbible sat down with Dubois ahead of fight week, with the heavyweight in a jovial mood. He even began the interview wearing a pair of trendy sunglasses before removing them to reveal a bruise above his eye.

After explaining that camp had gone well ahead of the Wardley bout, attention quickly turned to the announcement of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s proposed November showdown. Dubois has previously shared the ring with both men – knocking out AJ at Wembley Stadium in 2024 and sparring Fury early in his career.

So, who does he think will come out on top when the heavyweight icons finally meet?

In Dubois’ own words: “I couldn’t give a damn about their fight, to be honest.”

Daniel Dubois in training camp (Credit:Brooks)

But when pressed further, the 28-year-old backed Fury to get the job done.

“He [Fury] looked really good in his last fight,” he said. “Boxing skills, you know. He’s got great ring craft. But yeah, you never know. They’re both great fighters, both legends.”

And with Dubois backing himself to secure a knockout on Saturday night, what comes next? Would he dare take on British boxing’s hottest prospect, Moses Itauma? Perhaps.

“We’re all in the same era, all in the same division,” he admitted. “Any of us could end up fighting each other at this point.”

For now, Itauma’s attention appears to be focused elsewhere, with the unbeaten 21-year-old likely to fight in July.

Dubois not chasing Usyk

As for Dubois, he boasts an impressive record of 22 wins and just three losses in the professional ranks. Those defeats came against Joe Joyce in 2020 and Oleksandr Usyk — first in 2023 and then most recently at Wembley in 2025.

So, does Dubois want to avenge his losses to the Ukrainian great? Seemingly not.

“I think Usyk looks like he’s going for big rewards and lower-risk fights now. He’s fighting that kickboxer, Rico Verhoeven. So yeah, I’m not really chasing Usyk. I’m chasing the belts, the glory, the money, the big nights and the big memories in boxing — and building my name to be remembered in a good light.”

By his own admission, the spotlight is not Dubois’ thing, but he acknowledged that he would find it very difficult to turn down a crossover fight, having previously been linked with Jake Paul before the American’s December 2025 clash with Joshua.

“I’ll smash up my next few opponents, big names… and then we fight some Mickey Mouse people for a lot of money.”

When directly asked if he would consider a bout with Paul, he added: “Yeah, I should have fought him already, before AJ fought him. But he didn’t fight me, man.

“Yeah, that was a serious offer we put out, I think — what was it — a few months back? Yeah. And then AJ went and took him. No one was criticising that, but yeah. Anyway, you’ve got to build a bigger name, I guess, build a brand.”

But a crossover fight would be on Dubois’ terms: “One of them will come over to boxing and fight me for a big, big, big payday.

“I don't know, I don't even watch MMA.”

For now, Dubois’ attention is firmly fixed on beating Wardley in what appears to be a 50-50 fight.

Dubois spoke to SPORTbible in association with Brooks Running, a leader in high-performance running footwear, apparel, and accessories. As part of his preparation for his upcoming fight, Daniel has been running and training in the Brooks Glycerin Max 2. For more info visit: brooksrunning.com