Eddie Hearn has just thrown Daniel Dubois into the spotlight of scrutiny after the heavyweight contender rejected a fight offer from rising star Moses Itauma. This shocking turn of events has left boxing fans questioning Dubois’s legitimacy as a title contender. Hearn’s comments reveal a fighter in retreat, a man who once chased the heavyweight title but is now scrambling to reclaim respect after a devastating loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
In a candid discussion, Hearn highlighted Dubois’s previous withdrawal from a fight against Joe Parker, only to face humiliation against Usyk. Now, instead of stepping up to face the dangerous Itauma, Dubois appears to be backtracking, seeking a rematch with Parker—a move critics are calling desperate. “This is pure embarrassment for Dubois,” Hearn stated, emphasizing that the heavyweight division is evolving, and Dubois is lagging behind.
Meanwhile, Itauma’s star is rapidly rising. He’s been dismantling opponents with a ferocity that has caught the attention of boxing legends and analysts alike. Hearn praised Itauma as a “brilliant” and “dangerous” fighter, someone who poses a legitimate threat to every heavyweight in the division, including the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. The message is clear: Dubois is avoiding the storm that Itauma represents, and it’s costing him dearly.
As Dubois circles back to Parker, who is mentally and physically prepared for a comeback, the contrast couldn’t be starker. Parker is viewed as a man on a mission, ready to reclaim his status as a contender, while Dubois is seen as a fighter running from the challenges that could define his career. Analysts are quick to point out that Dubois’s repeated failures to step up against formidable opponents only serve to tarnish his reputation further.
Amir Khan weighed in, cautioning against rushing Itauma, but also highlighting the young fighter’s relentless ascent. At just 20 years old, Itauma is already making waves, and Khan predicts he will soon be ready to take on the division’s elite. The irony isn’t lost on anyone: Dubois, who should be leading the charge, is instead retreating, clinging to past opportunities while Itauma forges ahead.
Tony Bellew added to the chorus, emphasizing that size won’t save Dubois from the inevitable rise of Itauma. He pointed out that even with physical advantages, Dubois faltered against Usyk, and now he’s dodging the next wave of talent. The boxing community is watching closely, and the narrative is shifting rapidly—Dubois risks becoming a relic while Itauma is poised to redefine the heavyweight landscape.
The stakes have never been higher for Dubois. If he can pull off a surprise against Parker, he might regain some respect. But if he continues to avoid Itauma, the question looms large: how much longer can he remain relevant in a division that is leaving him behind? As the boxing world holds its breath, one thing is certain: the storm is brewing, and Itauma’s name is at the center of it. Will Dubois rise to the occasion, or will he continue to be overshadowed by the new generation of heavyweights? The answers will come soon, but for now, the spotlight is on the fighters willing to take risks and seize their moment.