In a thrilling encounter at Wembley Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk decisively defeated Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, reclaiming his title as the undisputed heavyweight champion. This victory not only reaffirmed Usyk’s status as one of boxing’s greats but also represented a significant moment in the boxing world, as the Ukrainian boxer showcased his skills in front of a sprawling crowd of 90,000 fans, thereby quashing Dubois’ ambitions of becoming the first British fighter to unify the heavyweight division in the four-belt era.
At 38 years old, Usyk demonstrated a masterclass performance, downing Dubois twice within the fifth round. The Londoner was unable to answer the count after the second knockdown, sealing his fate against the seasoned champion. This was a rematch for Usyk, who had previously faced Dubois in 2023 and successfully expanded his flawless professional record to 24 victories, including 13 world title fights across two boxing divisions.
Upon capturing the title, Usyk expressed regret towards Dubois, stating, “I’m sorry [Dubois], it’s sport. My people wanted this win,” before indicating his intent to take some time off for rest with his family. Dubois, who had previously garnered attention for a highlight-reel victory over Anthony Joshua to defend his IBF title in September, was left to contemplate his third defeat in 25 bouts, with all losses coming by way of stoppage.
This bout marked the reclamation of the IBF title for Usyk, which had been stripped from him soon after his initial unification in 2023. He added this title to his collection of belts including the WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC, solidifying his place at the top of heavyweight boxing. In a post-fight interview, Dubois acknowledged Usyk’s performance, stating, “I have to commend him on the performance, I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I’ll be back.” He analyzed his strategy, explaining, “I was just fighting, trying to pick up round by round. It is what it is.”
The match brought a variety of notable figures from the boxing community to ringside, such as the legendary Roy Jones Jr. and former champion Frank Bruno, while WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker observed closely, eager to secure a future bout with Usyk.
The fight began with Dubois attempting to leverage his jab, though it quickly became apparent that Usyk would not remain a target for long. Usyk, having transitioned seamlessly from the cruiserweight division, showcased his quick footwork and tactical acumen, evading Dubois’ advances and delivering punishing counter-punches. The first two rounds set the tone, as the southpaw Usyk effectively destabilized Dubois, leaving him visibly shaken.
In the decisive fifth round, Usyk unleashed a series of powerful attacks. After landing a solid left hook that sent Dubois to the mat, the heavyweight proved his resilience by making it back to his feet, but was unable to sustain the onslaught that followed. Another devastating blow prompted Dubois’s corner to throw in the towel before the referee could count him out.
Now, Dubois must engage in yet another rebuilding phase in his career. Despite previously developing newfound confidence following a bounce-back victory after his last fight with Usyk, this latest setback places him at a crossroads. Having only claimed an interim title thus far—without a win against a champion—Dubois must reevaluate his strategy moving forward. He is expected to explore various options against fighters like Agit Kabayel, Kubrat Pulev, or potentially Deontay Wilder, as he seeks to regain his footing in the competitive heavyweight landscape.
Conversely, Usyk’s triumph further entrenches him as the preeminent figure in heavyweight boxing, now in a position to select his next opponent, which could include prominent names such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, or Derek Chisora.
As the dust settles on the monumental bout, the boxing world awaits Usyk’s next moves, while Dubois contemplates how he will respond to this latest challenge in his promising career. With both fighters eager for future success, the outcome of this heavyweight clash will resonate well beyond Wembley Stadium.
