In a surprising turn of events, Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO heavyweight champion, has issued a stern warning to Anthony Joshua after a private meeting between the two former rivals. Joshua, preparing for his upcoming bout with Daniel Dubois, reportedly reached out to Usyk for guidance and advice ahead of the fight. Usyk, never one to mince words, responded with a message of caution, hinting at the dangers that lie ahead in the ring against Dubois.

Joshua and Usyk have faced off twice in the past, with Usyk emerging victorious on both occasions, most recently in their 2022 rematch. Despite their history as rivals, Joshua’s decision to consult Usyk shows a rare level of respect and acknowledgment of the Ukrainian’s ring intelligence. As Joshua prepares for his upcoming fight with Dubois, he is seemingly seeking every advantage possible to ensure he’s ready for the challenge.

While details of their conversation remain largely undisclosed, insiders suggest that Joshua approached Usyk to gain insight into Dubois’ fighting style, his strengths, and weaknesses, and how best to exploit any vulnerabilities. Dubois recently faced Usyk in August 2023, with Usyk securing a ninth-round TKO victory in a grueling contest, making him one of the few boxers with first-hand experience fighting Dubois at the highest level.

Joshua, aware of this, saw an opportunity to gain valuable information from someone who has successfully defeated his upcoming opponent. However, Usyk’s response was far from reassuring.

Following their meeting, Usyk issued a public statement, warning Joshua about the dangers of underestimating Dubois. “I told Anthony, be careful. Dubois is no easy fight. He’s dangerous, and you can’t let your guard down for a second,” Usyk said in a post-meeting interview. “Daniel is young, powerful, and hungry. He fights with a purpose, and that makes him a threat to anyone in the division.”

Usyk’s warning is particularly meaningful, given his own experience with Dubois in their 2023 clash. While Usyk ultimately came out on top, the fight was not without its challenges. Dubois displayed considerable power and determination, and at times, he managed to put Usyk under real pressure. The Ukrainian boxer’s experience, technique, and tactical brilliance were key to his victory, but the threat posed by Dubois was clear throughout the fight.

Usyk continued: “Joshua has to be smart. He has to stay focused for all twelve rounds. One mistake, one lapse, and it could all be over. Dubois has the kind of power that can end a fight in an instant.”

Daniel Dubois, at just 25 years old, is seen as one of the rising stars of the heavyweight division. Known for his devastating knockout power, Dubois has a record that includes 19 wins (18 by knockout) and just two losses, making him one of the most feared punchers in the sport. His combination of youth, strength, and aggressive style has earned him a reputation as a dangerous opponent for even the most seasoned fighters.

Dubois’ most recent fight against Usyk was a major test for the young fighter, and despite his loss, he showed glimpses of the potential that makes him such a formidable contender. Many experts believe that Dubois’ experience fighting Usyk, one of the most skilled boxers in the world, will have only sharpened his skills and resolve for future bouts.

For Joshua, this fight presents both an opportunity and a risk. After his losses to Usyk, Joshua is on a mission to regain his place at the top of the heavyweight division. A win against Dubois would put him back in contention for the biggest fights in the division, including potential rematches with Usyk or showdowns with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.

However, a loss to Dubois could be catastrophic for Joshua’s career. At 34 years old, Joshua is already facing questions about his longevity in the sport, and a defeat against a younger, rising star like Dubois could signify the end of his reign as a top contender in the heavyweight division.

Since his second defeat to Usyk, Anthony Joshua has been on a path of rebuilding, both physically and mentally. In his last fight against Jermaine Franklin earlier this year, Joshua showed glimpses of his former self, securing a victory that gave him some much-needed momentum heading into the fight with Dubois. However, many analysts noted that Joshua still appeared hesitant at times, perhaps still dealing with the psychological aftermath of his losses to Usyk.

To prepare for Dubois, Joshua has reportedly been sparring with high-level partners and undergoing intense training sessions aimed at sharpening his defensive skills and rebuilding his confidence. The decision to seek Usyk’s opinion is indicative of Joshua’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.

Joshua’s camp has also emphasized the importance of staying focused on the game plan. They know that Dubois’ power is his greatest asset, and Joshua will need to use his experience and ring IQ to avoid getting drawn into a brawl where Dubois’ knockout punches could end the fight quickly.

For Joshua, the upcoming fight with Dubois is not just another bout—it’s a career-defining moment. A victory would reaffirm his status as one of the top heavyweights in the world and set up potential mega-fights in the near future. A loss, however, could signal a decline from which he may not recover.

Joshua’s path back to the top has been anything but smooth, with setbacks and challenges at every turn. The pressure is mounting, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as he faces an opponent who is younger, hungrier, and eager to make a name for himself by taking down a former champion.

In the lead-up to the fight, Joshua’s focus will need to be sharper than ever. Usyk’s warning serves as a reminder that, despite his pedigree and experience, Joshua is not invincible, and Dubois will be coming for him with everything he’s got.