Boxing
'Don't count your chickens!' - Eddie Hearn teases Joseph Parker chance against Daniel Dubois to face Oleksandr Usyk
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Oleksandr Usyk should seek a second reign as undisputed heavyweight champion according to Eddie Hearn, but the promoter does not believe Daniel Dubois may be the foe.
The Ukrainian defeated Tyson Fury for the second time this year at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena this weekend, scoring a points victory by unanimous decision in Saudi Arabia.
It saw Usyk retain his WBA, WBC and WBO titles, before IBF belt holder Dubois interrupted him in the ring afterwards to propose their own rematch and undisputed clash.
Matchoom boss Hearn admits that the chance may appeal to The Cat, but stresses that the Briton may miss out if he cannot get the better of Joseph Parker in February.
"He’s definitely a better fighter than he is a call-out merchant," he said on DAZN's post-fight broadcast. "That’s not really his style, but he’s got to do what he’s got to do.
"I don’t really see any other fights for Oleksandr Usyk but one thing I will tell you is don’t count your chickens. I don’t think Daniel Dubois will necessarily beat Joseph Parker.
"I think Joseph Parker is on a tremendous run of form. He’s in the shape of his life, he’s extremely confident. But Dubois has a lot of confidence himself.
"If you’re looking at the future for Oleksandr Usyk, I guess it is to try and pick up that spare belt again that he let go."
A bout between Usyk and the winner of Dubois and Parker's fight would offer a chance for the former to become a three-time undisputed champion across two divisions.
However, there are plenty of other options for the star too, ranging from a trilogy bout with Fury, a return to cruiserweight or even retirement.
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