Face-offs can be a bit pointless at times. Sure, it makes for a good photo op and gives fans something to talk about but nothing much else.

Daniel Dubois is relatively young at only 27, but has been around long enough to have his fair share of face-to-face staring contests with other heavyweight contenders.

Three weeks ago preceding their press conference, Dubois was asked to look Oleksandr Usyk square in the eyes again before their July 19 rematch. Normally, that sort of interaction gets under Dubois' skin.

This time around, he didn't feel any animosity towards the unbeaten Ukrainian. Instead, it was more of a buoyant feeling he had. So why the change in demeanor? Well, it's hard not to smile when you're one win away from accomplishing your ultimate goal.

"It was good seeing the guy that I'm gonna be going up against," Dubois explained to Sky Sports Boxing. "I'm getting ready to take all of his belts. I'm pumped and I'm ready to fight."

An IBF title already occupies his waist but Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) has just enough room for Usyk's Ring, WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight straps. That and history is what's at stake in two months' time, at Wembley Stadium - the scene of his career-best win last September.

Dubois does at least have some familiarity with Usyk. The two originally got it on in August 2023. The bullish Brit believes he was flat-out robbed when Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) hit the canvas from a fifth-round low blow. Although his team aren't buying it, the man himself is just about done replaying that night back in his mind.

At this stage, revisiting that night doesn't make any sense. Dubois also doesn't want to overcomplicate things. The way he sees it, the simpler he keeps things, the better.

"I win, plain and simple," Dubois continued. "I'll smash his head in and go home with all the belts. I can't wait."