Tyson Fury would ‘surely’ come out of retirement to fight Daniel Dubois if the latter defeats Oleksandr Usyk.
That’s according to talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver, who believes a Dubois victory would heighten Fury’s temptation to make a return to the ring.
Dubois faces Usyk at Wembley Stadium on July 19 with the chance to become the first British undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years since Lennox Lewis.
Usyk unified the heavyweight division in March 2024 by defeating Fury, but the Ukrainian was forced to vacate his IBF strap to pursue a rematch with ‘The Gypsy King’ in December, which he won again.
During that period, Dubois was crowned the IBF heavyweight champion after stopping Filip Hrgovic, and ‘DDD’ retained the strap when he shockingly knocked out Anthony Joshua at Wembley last September.
This derailed plans for Joshua to fight Fury next, with Dubois now set to lock horns with Usyk.
Speaking on talkSPORT Boxing, former professional boxer and European champion Oliver discussed how this bout could play an important role in Fury’s future.
“When you’re talking about modern legacies and eras where the best fight the best,” Oliver explained.
“Let’s throw this into the mix: let’s say Daniel Dubois goes and beats Oleksandr Usyk on July 19—then what does Fury do?
“Because all of a sudden, you have this new kid, Daniel Dubois, who’s put himself in the conversation.
“When you’re talking about the best in modern eras, you’ve also got Anthony Joshua floating around there as well, and of course, you’ve got Tyson Fury.
“Surely, that’s enough temptation for Fury to come out.”
Fury confirmed last week that he was ‘staying retired’ from the sport, saying he sees no reason to come back for another fight as he is happy with what he has achieved.
However, ‘The Gypsy King’ has left boxing several times before, hence many fans still believe he will make a return.
A fight with Joshua is what they all want to see, but Oliver believes a name like Dubois could also define Fury’s legacy.
“Yes, the Joshua fight is the one we’ve wanted to see for many, many years,” he added.
“It’s not as big as it once was, but we still want it. But now, you’ve got this young kid – Daniel Dubois – still in the mix, and you’ve also got Moses Itauma coming through.
“That’s where Fury’s at. If he retires now and you’re looking at his legacy—yes, the trilogy with Deontay Wilder, and going over to beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, that was a great victory.
“But then where do we go? We’re talking about Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora… so you need the other big names.”
Dubois has the chance to add the WBO, WBC and WBA titles to his collection in what is a rematch just under two years from his controversial first meeting with Usyk.
Usyk knocked out Dubois in round nine on a night in Poland back in August 2023 after the Ukrainian great was floored by a shot in the fifth frame that divided the boxing world
Some claimed it was a legal body shot, while others said it strayed low, but referee Luis Pabon determined the punch was illegal.
Usyk was then allowed four minutes to recover before bouncing back and stopping ‘DDD’ with a stiff jab.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT.com ahead of his second bout with Usyk, Dubois revealed a unique ritual he has been practicing every day in the build-up.
“Where I train, I can see the Wembley arches. I’m staring at them every day [visualising the fight],” he said.
“I’m not [superstitious]. Just normal. Everyone has that way about them, I’m more about routine.”
He later added: “When I close my eyes, I see a spectacular win, a spectacular knockout.”
