In a commanding display, Oleksandr Usyk solidified his reputation as the leading heavyweight of his era by delivering a stunning fifth-round knockout to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday. This triumph allowed Usyk, the WBA, WBC, and WBO champion from Ukraine, to enhance his unbeaten professional record to 24 bouts while also claiming Dubois’ IBF title.
Usyk dominated the first four rounds and sent Dubois sprawling to the canvas early in the fifth. He concluded the match decisively with a powerful left hook that left Dubois unable to rise, marking the end of the fight at one minute and 52 seconds into the round.
At 38, Usyk, who is 11 years Dubois’ senior, has now triumphed over the Briton twice, previously winning by stoppage in Krakow, Poland, in 2023.
Lennox Lewis, the last British fighter to hold the undisputed title in 1999, had predicted a significantly improved Dubois would emerge for this fight, stating, “Dubois was a baby in the sport and now he’s a man.”
However, with a large number of supporters waving Ukrainian flags in the 90,000-strong crowd, Usyk conducted a masterclass, leaving Dubois on the back foot throughout the contest.
“38 is a young guy, remember! It’s only the start!” Usyk exclaimed to DAZN, celebrating on his knees. He expressed gratitude to Jesus Christ, his team, and the Wembley crowd, stating, “This is for the people.”
When asked about future opponents, including Tyson Fury, Usyk said, “I want to rest now. Maybe it’s Tyson Fury, or Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, or Joseph Parker. But for now, I need to go home.”
Dubois acknowledged Usyk’s performance, saying, “I commend him on the performance; I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I’ll be back.”