The countdown to the undisputed heavyweight championship clash between Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk is officially on, and legendary former world champion Barry McGuigan has delivered a bold message: Don’t be shocked if Dubois knocks Usyk out cold.

With the two set to square off again on 19 July at Wembley Stadium, McGuigan believes the British powerhouse has the kind of one-punch knockout power that could turn the heavyweight division upside down.

“Dubois can knock the house down, he hits so hard,” McGuigan told BBC Sport NI. “He’s a big, strong, powerful heavyweight… built like the proverbial out-house.”

Why Dubois Is a Real Threat This Time

In their first encounter in Poland in August 2023, Usyk stopped Dubois in the ninth round to retain his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles. But Dubois, now 27 and a more mature fighter, has learned from the loss—and McGuigan thinks this could be a different story.

Though McGuigan is still siding with the undefeated Ukrainian for the win, he makes it clear: this will not be a walk in the park for Usyk.

“I’m not saying Dubois will win. But if he does, I won’t be at all surprised,” McGuigan said. “If Usyk gets hit clean by Dubois, the fight is over.”

McGuigan, whose son Shane once trained Dubois, has seen the raw potential up close. He recalls Dubois’ dominant knockout of Trevor Bryan Jr. in Miami to win the WBA ‘regular’ title in 2022 as a turning point in his confidence and maturity.’

“He’s a modern-day heavyweight… 18-and-a-half stone, 6ft 4in. A massive guy who could knock the wall down with a right hand or a left hook.”

Usyk’s Craft vs Dubois’ Power: Who Has the Edge Now?

There’s no question about Usyk’s elite boxing skills. A former undisputed cruiserweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, the 38-year-old has dismantled the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tony Bellew with dazzling footwork, ring IQ, and slick movement.

But McGuigan points to aging as a factor. At 38, Usyk is facing a younger, hungrier opponent with perhaps more motivation and a deeper desire to make a statement.

“It’s a more difficult fight this time,” McGuigan noted. “Usyk has gotten older, Dubois is still very young. For me, they’ve gotten closer.”

He continues:

“Usyk is too clever to get hit clean. But Dubois will want to work on his body, put him under pressure… That whole friction is going to be very exciting.”

McGuigan doesn’t rule out a points decision win for Usyk, but he also emphasizes just how dangerous it would be for the Ukrainian to get complacent.

“When the big guys hit you, you stay hit. That’s the reality of the heavyweight division.”

Can Dubois Shock the World?

Daniel Dubois has often been labeled a “glass cannon”—an incredibly dangerous puncher but vulnerable under pressure. His loss to Joe Joyce in 2020 and last year’s controversial defeat to Usyk raised questions about his heart and ability to survive in the deep waters of elite competition.

However, at just 27, Dubois is still developing. His raw size, punching power, and better conditioning make him a live dog in this rematch—especially if he brings a smarter, more aggressive game plan under the bright lights at Wembley.

And as McGuigan puts it:

“If he lands clean, Usyk might not get up. That’s the truth of it.”

The Saudi Effect: McGuigan on Boxing’s New Era

The rematch is part of a new golden age for heavyweight boxing, largely fueled by the financial firepower of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and visionaries like Turki Alalshikh. McGuigan praised the transformation.

“It’s good that there’s more money involved for the fighters,” he said. “It’s a dangerous and serious business so it’s good that they’re making better money than they did in the past.”

McGuigan pointed out that the influx of Saudi cash has led to dream matchups becoming reality, as purse barriers are demolished and politics between promoters fade into the background.

“Now we’re getting WBA champions fighting WBC champions… IBF vs WBO. If he pays him enough, they’ll say: ‘Yes, I’m in.’ That’s a good thing for the game.”

Final Prediction: Usyk Still the Favorite, But…

Despite his praise for Dubois, McGuigan ultimately still gives the edge to Usyk—but not by much.

“I think Usyk will win this time. I’m not sure if he’ll stop him, but it could be a wide points decision.”

Still, fans should be bracing for fireworks. With Dubois gunning for redemption and Usyk defending his crown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. And as McGuigan reminds us—a single punch could change everything.