Usyk Knocks Out Dubois to Become Undisputed Heavyweight Champion for Third Time
Oleksandr Usyk delivered a ruthless fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois on Saturday at Wembley Stadium, reclaiming the undisputed world heavyweight title for a historic third time in front of approximately 90,000 fans. The Ukrainian southpaw floored Dubois twice in the decisive round, securing the IBF belt to join his WBC, WBA, and WBO titles in a stunning fifth title defense, cementing his status as the heavyweight division’s finest.
Usyk, 38, sent Dubois to the canvas first with a sharp right to the head, prompting a count, before a devastating left hook flattened the 27-year-old Londoner, ending the fight. CompuBox stats highlighted Usyk’s dominance, landing 57 of 153 punches (37.3%) compared to Dubois’ 35 of 179 (19.6%), with a standout 46.2% power punch accuracy. This victory marks Usyk as the first male boxer to achieve undisputed status at cruiserweight (2018) and heavyweight (2024, now reaffirmed), following triumphs over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury twice each.
Dubois, elevated to full champion after Usyk vacated the IBF belt last year, struggled to replicate his September knockout of Joshua, where he floored the former champ four times. Despite stoppage wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Joshua since their 2023 encounter, Dubois couldn’t assert control, with Usyk dictating the pace from Round 1. The Ukrainian’s jab pierced Dubois’ guard, and a big left hook in Round 3 shook the Brit, who weighed 26 pounds heavier but lacked openings.
Usyk’s strategy peaked in Round 5, where a left-right combo and a glancing right dropped Dubois, followed by the fight-ending hook. Post-fight, Usyk hinted at retirement after claiming this would be his penultimate bout, saying, “Thirty-eight is a young guy, 38 is only the start.” He mused about future opponents, naming Fury, Derek Chisora, Joshua, or Joseph Parker, with Fury recently announcing a planned April 2026 rematch after their December 2024 loss.
Dubois, in his second title defense, was left reeling, his improvement overshadowed by Usyk’s brilliance. The Ukrainian, who outclassed him in their 2023 stoppage, now eyes a late-2025 return, possibly against Parker. This victory underscores Usyk’s unmatched skill, leaving the heavyweight landscape in awe as speculation mounts over his final chapter.
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