Oleksandr Usyk (left) in motion in opposition to Daniel Dubois throughout their undisputed world heavyweight title battle at BoxPark Wembley, London, on July 19, 2025. — Reuters
Oleksandr Usyk floored Briton Daniel Dubois within the fifth spherical of an exhilarating contest at Wembley Stadium on Saturday to as soon as once more turn out to be the undisputed heavyweight boxing world champion.
The win noticed Usyk retain his WBC, WBA and WBO belts and reclaim the IBF belt he vacated final yr earlier than a rematch with Tyson Fury, with Dubois upgraded to champion after which defending the title in opposition to Anthony Joshua final September.
Usyk’s talent was evident from the outset as he sidestepped all the pieces thrown his manner with misleading ease and related repeatedly along with his jab, placing on a masterclass in counter-punching in opposition to an opponent 11 years youthful than him.
Requested in regards to the win, Usyk mentioned: “38 is a young guy, remember! 38 is only (the) start!
“I wish to say thanks to Jesus Christ. I wish to say thanks to my staff and Wembley, thanks a lot! It is for the individuals.
“Nothing is next. It’s enough, next, I don’t know. I want to rest. My family, my wife, my children, I want to rest now. Two or three months, I want to just rest.”
Usyk, who improved his skilled document to 24-0, is now a three-time undisputed champion, twice within the heavyweight division and as soon as as a cruiserweight.
Fifth spherical beat-down
Regardless of weighing in at a career-heaviest 227.3 kilos on Friday, Usyk floated across the ring with an virtually balletic grace and prevented Dubois from profiting from his superior measurement.
The Ukrainian comfortably outclassed his opponent in three of the primary 4 rounds, however many of the harm was dealt out in a brutal fifth-round beatdown.
The Ukrainian despatched his opponent to the canvas with an overhand proper, earlier than a booming left hand proper on the chin dashed Dubois’ desires and introduced an finish to the bout.
Dubois was defiant after his loss, telling DAZN: “I have to commend him on the performance, I gave everything I had.
“Take no credit score away from that man. I will be again. I used to be simply preventing, making an attempt to choose up spherical by spherical. It’s what it’s.”
The Ukrainian also hinted at a potential third fight against Britain’s Fury, whom he beat twice last year.
“Perhaps, we have now three selections, (Fury), Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. Perhaps Joseph Parker. Hear, I can’t now say as a result of I wish to return dwelling,” he added.
The unification battle was a rematch of 1 that Dubois misplaced by a controversial ninth-round knockout in Wroclaw, Poland, in 2023, after Usyk was given time to get well from what the referee dominated was a low blow.
Preventing earlier on the undercard, Briton Lawrence Okolie beat South African Kevin Lerena by unanimous resolution in a lacklustre contest.
