Oleksandr Usyk showcased his dominance in the heavyweight division with an impressive fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday. This victory marked Usyk’s ascension to undisputed heavyweight champion, extending his unbeaten professional record to 24 fights while adding Dubois’ IBF title to his accolades.
Usyk’s control was evident throughout the first four rounds, and he dropped Dubois early in the fifth before sealing the deal with a left hook that left the Briton unable to continue, ending the contest at one minute and 52 seconds.
At 38 years old, Usyk, who is 11 years Dubois’ senior, now boasts two victories over the British boxer, the first being a ninth-round stoppage in 2023 in Krakow, Poland.
Lennox Lewis, the last British undisputed champion from 1999, had anticipated a more formidable Dubois, stating, “Dubois was a baby in the sport and now he’s a man.”
With a sea of supporters waving Ukrainian flags in a packed 90,000 crowd, Usyk executed a tactical masterclass that kept Dubois on the defensive.
“38 is a young guy, remember! It’s only the start!” Usyk told DAZN after the fight, kneeling in celebration. He thanked Jesus Christ and his team, dedicating the victory to the people.
When queried about potential future matchups, Usyk mentioned, “Maybe it’s Tyson Fury, or Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, or Joseph Parker. But for now, I want to go home and rest.”
Dubois, for his part, praised Usyk’s performance, stating, “I commend him on the performance; I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, and I’ll be back.”
