In a spectacular display of skill and resilience, Oleksandr Usyk overwhelmed Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, regaining his status as an undisputed heavyweight champion. The fight, held before an electrifying crowd of 90,000 at Wembley Stadium, showcased Usyk's boxing prowess as he put Dubois down twice, with Dubois ultimately unable to continue after the second knockdown.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian champion expressed gratitude and relief following his win, emphasizing his need for a break to rest and spend time with his family. “I'm sorry [Dubois], it’s sport,” Usyk said. “My people wanted this win... Now, I want to rest.” This victory extends Usyk's undefeated professional record to 24 wins, while Dubois faces the aftermath of a tough defeat, marking his third loss in 25 fights.
Dubois acknowledged Usyk's dominance in the ring while vowing to learn from the experience and return stronger. “I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I'll be back,” he stated.
Usyk's victory not only reinstated him as the IBF champion—having been stripped of his title shortly after unifying the belts—but also reinforced his stature in boxing, having defeated notable opponents including Anthony Joshua previously. With the boxing community's attention now shifting towards potential future opponents, Usyk mentioned names including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as possible challengers in his next bouts.
As the former undisputed cruiserweight champion continues to establish himself in the heavyweight division, both Usyk and Dubois now face pivotal moments in their careers—one as the champion seeking new challenges, the other as a fighter needing to rebuild. Observers note that Dubois has opportunities ahead, but the road to regaining form will be demanding.
The atmosphere at Wembley, which welcomed both fighters with cheers, reflected the significance of the fight, drawing attention from legends of the sport. The bout reaffirmed Usyk's place atop the heavyweight division while raising questions regarding Dubois' next moves as he seeks to bounce back in a competitive landscape.
