Oleksandr Usyk delivered a dominant performance to stop Daniel Dubois in the fifth round and reclaim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion for a second time. The Ukrainian maestro
dazzled a crowd of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium, dismantling Dubois with precision and power.
In a clinical display of skill and experience, Usyk floored Dubois twice in the fifth round—the second knockdown proving decisive as the Londoner failed to beat the count. With the win, the 38-year-old extended his perfect professional record to 24-0 and once again unified the heavyweight division, reclaiming the IBF title stripped from him in 2023, alongside the WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC belts.
Reflecting on the fight, Usyk told DAZN:
“I’m sorry [Dubois], it’s sport. My people wanted this win. Now I want to rest—my family, my wife, my children. Two or three months of rest, that’s all I want.”
Dubois, who had previously defended his IBF title against Anthony Joshua, suffered his third career loss in 25 fights—all by stoppage. Despite the setback, the 26-year-old remained defiant:
“I gave everything I had. Credit to Usyk—he’s a great champion. I’ll be back.”
A masterclass on British soil
From the opening bell, Usyk showed why he's regarded as one of the finest technicians in boxing. The southpaw slipped Dubois’ jab effortlessly and landed sharp counterpunches, particularly with his left hand. By the second round, Dubois already looked unsettled, glancing toward his father in the crowd for guidance.
As the fight progressed, Usyk’s control grew. He found his rhythm in the fifth, stunning Dubois with a precise right to the temple that sent him to the canvas. Though Dubois bravely beat the count, Usyk closed the show moments later with a crisp left hook to the chin, prompting the referee to stop the contest as Dubois' corner threw in the towel.
A champion's home away from home
Usyk, who has repeatedly expressed his fondness for the UK, was warmly received by the Wembley crowd. Fans and legends alike—such as Roy Jones Jr and Frank Bruno—witnessed the Ukrainian’s latest triumph, while WBO interim champ Joseph Parker watched closely, eyeing a future showdown.
Now firmly atop the heavyweight hierarchy, Usyk has reaffirmed his place in the sport’s history. Whether he decides to return for more or rest on his achievements, his legacy as one of boxing’s modern greats is unquestionable. Photo by Andriy Makukha (Amakuha), Wikimedia commons.