Daniel Dubois is targeting a trilogy fight against Oleksandr Usyk after a decisive coming-of-age victory over Fabio Wardley at The O2 Arena.
The WBO world champion dominated their rematch early on, knocking Wardley down after only 17 seconds before referee Steve Gray stopped the contest in the second round as the underdog continued to take heavy punishment.
The performance places Dubois firmly at the top of the heavyweight division, and he is now determined to avenge his two prior losses to the Ukrainian great, convinced he now has the tools required to defeat him.
Usyk gave up the WBC, WBA and IBF belts shortly after securing a late stoppage against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May. However, he intends to keep fighting, with promoter Frank Warren preparing to "get him back into the equation".
"Definitely, definitely – I’d love that," Dubois said. "We’re coming out on top this time. We’ve made our mistakes and we’re coming out on top.
"I want to continue the momentum I’ve got from this fight and take it into the next one. I’ll fight whoever is next in line, whoever pays the most cash!"
Daniel Dubois (left) launched a relentless assault at Fabio Wardley at The O2 Arena (Nick Potts/PA)By overwhelming a tough opponent respected for his durability, Dubois signalled he is a fighter who has entered his prime while outside the ring he is also more at ease in the public gaze.
Alongside last week’s revelation that he plays the harp, the 29-year-old Londoner is winning friends through his awkward sense of humour. But he is also impatient to line up his next opponent.
Usyk is one possibility, as is the winner of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua on December 11, IBF champion Filip Hrgovic, WBC belt holder Agit Kabayel and WBA king Murat Gassiev.
On the more distant horizon is a thunderous showdown with Moses Itauma and Warren expects there to be an undisputed champion within 18 months following a series of unification stadium fights.
“The name of the game is to get all four belts,” Warren said. “Daniel wants the four belts but so do the other guys and that’s what so exciting because we’re making it happen. Let’s find out who is the best.
“When Daniel’s at his best, you’ve got to be some fighter to be able to take those shots. He’s a tremendous puncher and if he gets you in trouble, you’re in trouble.”
Wardley vowed to return following the second defeat of his career but having lost twice to Dubois, taken heavy damage in the process and had his technical limitations brutally exposed, his place in the division is unclear.
Usyk relinquished the WBC, WBA and IBF belts soon after labouring to a late stoppage over kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May but is fighting on, with promoter Frank Warren ready to ‘get him back into the equation’Even during his ring walk Dubois exuded menace but he denies the plan was to go after Wardley from the start.
“No, it wasn’t deliberate, it just happened,” Dubois said. “I was just so on it and wasn’t going to be denied. I refused to lose.
“There were a lot of mental scars for him, so I just had to bring him back to that place. It’s a memory isn’t it.
“Fabio has got a great chin and is known for taking punishment but I was going through him with my punches. I had to pull myself back at times and reset.”