Oleksandr Usyk’s long-time manager, Egis Klimas, claims that Daniel Dubois hasn’t changed since his defeat to Usyk almost two years ago.

That fight ended with Dubois, for the second time in his career, on one knee as the referee counted to ten. Earlier in the bout, Dubois dropped Usyk with a low blow, a moment still debated to this day.

In the end, it was a jab that finished it.

Criticism poured in from all angles on social media, with many branding Dubois a quitter. Some influential voices in the sport echoed that sentiment.

Dubois doesn’t talk about that night anymore. He’s moved on. He says he’s coming to cause chaos in the ring and insists he’s a new man.

Egis Klimas, however, begs to differ.

‘It’s the same guy,’ Klimas told the gathered media at Thursday’s press conference at Wembley.

‘What can he change in a couple of years? You cannot train your mind, and that’s his weakness.’

Since the Usyk fight in Poland on 26 August 2023, Dubois has racked up three impressive victories.

It began with the controversial Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller. Controversial due to his previous drug-related bans, Miller came in at 333lbs. Regardless of opinion, he was undefeated at the time and a massive unit. Dubois weathered some rough patches but dug deep to stop Miller with just eight seconds left on the clock.

Next came Filip Hrgovic, the highly rated Croatian tipped as a future champion. Dubois had other ideas.

To be fair to Hrgovic, he landed some outrageous bombs, but they couldn’t stop Dubois from marching forward. Dubois showed a new-found belief and confidence that refused to crumble. Two nasty cuts opened over both of Hrgovic’s eyes after he absorbed some hefty punishment. The referee waved it off in round eight.

Then came Anthony Joshua, the nation’s darling. Surely this would be a step too far for Dubois.

Joshua, on his own comeback trail after defeat and a post-fight meltdown against Usyk, had teamed up with Ben Davison and was riding a four-fight win streak. The opposition hadn’t been stellar, but they were confidence boosters nonetheless.

By this point, Dubois had been elevated to IBF champion after Usyk was stripped of the belt. We won’t go into that now, but suffice to say, it was the perfect opportunity for AJ to become a three-time heavyweight champion.

What unfolded was truly shocking. AJ was steamrolled. He was knocked down four times and never in the fight. He was finally counted out while scrambling on the canvas, clearly not in control of his senses.

It was, without doubt, the biggest win of Dubois’ career and a massive statement.

What was left of AJ before he entered the ring is another debate, but Dubois’ performance can’t be taken away.

Before the first Usyk fight, Dubois switched trainers from Shane McGuigan to Don Charles. It’s undeniable that Charles has instilled a new confidence and warrior mindset in him.

The transformation in Dubois’ overall aura since the link-up has been remarkable.

That being said, Egis Klimas and his team were doing their best to resurrect old demons in Dubois’ mind today. Classic mind games.

Don Charles took the bait, claiming Klimas must have been asleep for the last three fights.

‘While I was sleeping, Oleksandr beat Tyson Fury two times,’ Klimas replied. Touche.

Dubois wasn’t getting drawn in. He said he’s going to write his own script and come out victorious on Saturday night.

Usyk, as ever, remained calm.

‘I respect this guy, this young guy. He’s motivated. I am too,’ Usyk said.

‘I’m not an old guy. Thirty-eight is not old. We will see on Saturday. It’s God’s will.’

It’s hard to back against Usyk. But Dubois is riding an incredible wave, and he’s not expecting the tide to turn just yet.

Images: Queensberry