Oleksandr Usyk crowned the undisputed boxing world champion in heavyweight for the second time after 2024.
The Ukrainian defeated the British Daniel Dubois in the fifth round on Saturday in the sold-out London Wembley Stadium. Usyk dubis snatched the World Cup title of the IBF association and united it with his belts of the WBA, WBC and WBO.
In front of over 90,000 spectators, Usyk dominated the 27-year-old British technically over long distances before he was able to strike five in round. “I thank Jesus. Thank you to my team. I thank Wembley,” said Usyk after the fight. For him it was the 24th victory in the 24th professional fight, Dubois received his third defeat in the 25th fight – and the second against USYK. The one had already conquered him by Ko in 2023.
The decisive fifth round
What started as a balanced exchange of blows quickly turned to Usyks. First, the Ukrainian landed a hard right hook behind Dubois’ ear – the first knockdown. The IBF champion got up again, but already seemed struck.
Usyk did not give up: just a few seconds later the devastating left hook, the Dubois, whose mouth protection flew out of the ring through the force of the blow, finally sent to the ground. At 1:52 of the fifth round, referee Michael Griffin counted the British.
“I gave everything,” said Dubois after his defeat. “I’ll come back.”
For USYK, victory means the second undisputed heavyweight title of its career. As early as May 2024, he had conquered all four belts by winning Tyson Fury, but had to submit the IBF title shortly afterwards for contractual obligations. Dubois then became IBF champion and beat Anthony Joshua spectacular in September
How things are going on for Usyk is open. He could now compete against the Bochum Agit Kabayel, Joseph Parker or in a trilogy fight against Fury. “38 is only the beginning,” said Usyk after his triumph. At first he wanted to rest.