Oleksandr Usyk reaffirmed his dominance in the heavyweight division with a commanding fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois during their undisputed world title bout at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday night.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian extended his perfect professional record to 24-0, adding the IBF title to his WBA, WBC, and WBO belts and solidifying his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk controlled the bout from the opening bell, overwhelming Dubois with precision and relentless pressure. Early in the fifth round, he sent the British challenger crashing to the canvas. Seconds later, a signature left hook ended the contest at 1:52 of Round 5, as Dubois failed to beat the count.
“38 is a young guy, remember! 38 is only start!” Usyk told DAZN after the win. “I want to say thank you to Jesus Christ… to my team… and to Wembley! It’s for the people.”
The win marks Usyk’s second victory over Dubois, having previously defeated him via a ninth-round stoppage in 2023 in Krakow, Poland—a bout marred by controversy over an alleged low blow.
Despite pre-fight predictions—including from former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis, who claimed Dubois had matured into a “man” since their first meeting—Usyk delivered a clinical performance in front of a roaring 90,000-strong crowd.
Post-fight, Usyk appeared noncommittal about his next move:
“Nothing is next. I want to rest. My family, my wife, my children… I want to just rest now. Two or three months,” he said, though he did mention potential future opponents like Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Derek Chisora, and Joseph Parker.
Dubois, gracious in defeat, vowed to return stronger:
“I have to commend him on the performance. I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I’ll be back.”
