Oleksandr Usyk achieved a remarkable victory on Saturday by knocking out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time. The undefeated Ukrainian, 38, successfully defended his WBA, WBC, and IBF titles while reclaiming the title of the IBF he had relinquished over a year ago.
During the fifth round, Usyk knocked Dubois down twice, including a powerful left hook that left the Londoner stunned on the canvas, unable to recover before the referee completed the count at Wembley Stadium, which was filled with cheering fans. Despite concerns about his age, Usyk showcased his skills and power, confidently stating in the ring, “Thirty-eight is a young age; it’s just the beginning.”
Usyk’s impressive record now stands at 24 wins, with 15 of those by knockout. This victory marks a rematch against Dubois, whom he defeated two years ago. In their first encounter, Usyk won by unanimous decision after knocking Dubois down with a jab, though that blow was initially deemed low.
After the fight, Dubois, who holds a record of 22 wins and 3 losses, expressed determination to continue his boxing career despite the setback, stating, “I gave it my all. Don’t take anything away from that man; I will come back.”
This fight has added to Usyk’s legacy, highlighting his skillful tactical fighting style and his ability to perform under pressure. As he looks to the future, he mentioned the possibility of facing notable opponents such as Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, and Joseph Parker.
An interesting moment during the event included the presence of Jake Paul, whose entrance drew boos from the crowd. Paul hinted at a potential future fight with Anthony Joshua at Wembley, generating buzz among fans.
Usyk’s colorful entrance included carrying a stuffed donkey known as “Igor,” a nod to his daughter that he has brought to previous fights, showcasing his unique personality.
Overall, this win reinforces Usyk’s position as a dominant force in the heavyweight division, and fans are left excited about what comes next for him and the potential matchups on the horizon.