Oleksandr Usyk proved yet again why he is regarded as one of boxing's elite, decisively defeating Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to reclaim his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. The dual-belt holder showcased his extensive skill set before a crowd of 90,000 enthusiastic fans at Wembley Stadium, extinguishing Dubois' aspirations of becoming the first Brit to unify the heavyweight division in the four-belt era.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian boxer demonstrated sheer dominance, flooring Dubois twice in the fifth round, prompting the referee to stop the fight after the Londoner failed to meet the count following the second knockdown. With this victory, Usyk maintains an impressive record of 24 wins as a professional, further showcasing his resilience and strategic prowess in the ring.
"I'm sorry [Dubois], it's sport. My people wanted this win," Usyk stated in a post-fight interview with DAZN. Expressing a desire for a break, he emphasized his wish to spend some time with his family before deciding on future bouts.
Dubois, who had recently claimed victory against Anthony Joshua to defend his IBF title, faced his third professional defeat, all of which have come via knockout. In his post-fight comments, Dubois acknowledged Usyk's superior performance, reflecting on his efforts in the ring while hinting at a potential comeback.
The heavyweight boxing community turned out in full force to witness the event, which saw the likes of Roy Jones Jr. and former champion Frank Bruno among the spectators. Usyk’s return to the top rungs of the heavyweight rankings also attracted attention from WBO interim champion Joseph Parker, who is eyeing a potential match-up with Usyk.
The fight began with action as Dubois attempted to utilize his jabs, but it became clear early on that Usyk was not merely going to absorb punishment. The former unified cruiserweight champion adeptly evaded attacks and landed powerful counters, gaining momentum as the match progressed.
By the fifth round, the match took a decisive turn when Usyk landed a sharp right hook to Dubois' temple, sending him crashing to the canvas. Dubois, however, displayed remarkable tenacity, managing to rise to his feet. Yet, Usyk followed up with a well-placed left hook, prompting Dubois' corner to throw in the towel as the referee neared the count of ten.
With this victory, Usyk eyes potential opponents such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Joseph Parker, reinforcing his position as the key player in heavyweight boxing. Meanwhile, Dubois faces a challenging path ahead, needing to regroup after this setback while considering match-ups with contenders like Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder. Usyk's performance has not only solidified his reign but also set the stage for an exciting future in the heavyweight division.
