Despite leaving the ring in haste when IBF champ Daniel Dubois stepped in to confront Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury has never shied away from praising Dubois’ boxing prowess.

The ‘Gypsy King’ is coming off two straight losses to the Ukrainian phenomenon, failing to secure the undisputed heavyweight crown in their recent clash on Saturday.

After the bell tolled on his defeat, an unexpected twist saw Dubois – who challenged Jake Paul to a clash for his IBF belt after his win over Mike Tyson – sneak into the ring, zeroing in on Usyk and clamoring for a rematch following his own ninth-round knockout loss to the champion last year.

Fury’s abrupt ring departure triggered rampant speculation as to why he exited to dodge the post-bout interview. Former reigning champ Carl Frampton didn’t mince his words, slamming Dubois’ move as “disrespectful” when recapping the event for TNT Sports Boxing.

“Dubois was in the ring obviously trying to make a fight, but it was a little disrespectful. First of all, to Tyson Fury. Secondly, to Oleksandr Usyk, and thirdly to Joseph Parker, who he’s going to fight in February,” he said, reports Wales Online.

In spite of the ringside drama, Fury has maintained respect for the fighter from London, previously lauding him after his blistering win against Anthony Joshua earlier in the year.

“Fantastic job,” the 36-year-old said after Dubois’ stunning knockout of Joshua. “He did a very good job and fair play to young Dan. Everybody wrote him off you know. Coming here he was the world champion and everyone chatted like he was a bum. And he showed what he’s made of and it’s very good for him. Fantastic. Fair play.”

Daniel Dubois entered the ring to confront Oleksandr Usyk

Daniel Dubois urged Oleksandr Usyk to grant him a rematch ( 

Image:

TNT Sports)

Fury has been aware of Dubois’ potential since their paths crossed in 2017, when Dubois – then an amateur – sparred with the ex-heavyweight champ during his break from the sport.

Reflecting on that experience, Fury confessed: “I was fat, 27 stone. We had a move around and it was a pleasure. He’d never even had a pro fight, but I found out he was a very good fighter straight away.”

While Fury’s own boxing journey seems uncertain after another loss, Dubois is gearing up to defend his IBF title against Joseph Parker a close friend of Fury’s in February next year. A win over the Kiwi could pave the way for a rematch with Usyk for Dubois.