Oleksandr Usyk has reinforced his status as one of boxing's elite by overpowering Daniel Dubois in an exhilarating fifth round at Wembley Stadium, reclaiming his titles and becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. Facing a crowd of 90,000 fans, the Ukrainian delivered a stunning performance that dashed Dubois' aspirations of making history as the first British boxer to unify the heavyweight division in the modern four-belt era.
In the dramatic bout, Usyk fell into rhythm early on. The 38-year-old fighter executed a series of slick counter punches and evasive maneuvers that consistently thwarted Dubois' efforts. By round five, Usyk's skill shone through as he knocked Dubois down twice, the second instance leading the Londoner's corner to concede defeat, thus marking Usyk's professional record at 24-0.
Usyk expressed humility in victory, stating, "I'm sorry [Dubois], it's sport. My people wanted this win," before taking time to savor a well-deserved break with his family. Meanwhile, Dubois faces a challenging path ahead, with his third loss out of 25 contests requiring a significant comeback after this setback.
The atmosphere in Wembley was electric, attended by boxing luminaries including Roy Jones Jr. and Frank Bruno. Dubois, known for his previous triumph over Anthony Joshua, struggled to adapt against Usyk's superior speed and tactical acumen, ultimately leading to his defeat.
While Dubois remains hopeful for a revival, potential matchups loom for Usyk, with mentions of Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora, and Joseph Parker among the next challenges for the champion. This victory not only reinstates Usyk at the top but also opens the door to thrilling possibilities in the heavyweight boxing scene.
