The 38-year-old champion from Ukraine dazzled a global audience with his winsome artistry on display at Wembley Stadium in London. He is best remembered for his ninth-round stoppage victory over Daniel Dubois in their undisputed world title clash. This emphatic victory allowed Dubois’s IBF belt to join Usyk’s collection, completing Usyk’s status as the WBA, WBC, and WBO champion.
Usyk was on it from the beginning of their bout, winning the first few rounds and proving his range, power, footwork, and athleticism. He had early control establishing his jab, feeding straight rights and flush punches that sent power-punching Dubois on the defensive. Fifth round, Usyk down Dubois The tide had turned fully in the fifth round, when Usyk knocked Dubois down to the canvas.
Usyk sealed the victory with a huge, Usyk-ian left hook to punctuate the evening. Despite his efforts, Dubois was unable to rise before the referee completed a ten count. The stoppage came just 1 minute and 52 seconds into the round. This sealed the deal on Usyk’s victory and kept him unblemished in his professional career at 24 fights.
Reflecting on his victory, Usyk was humble and thankful, and he shared his feelings about the fight and what’s next for him.
“I want to say thank you to Jesus Christ. I want to say thank you to my team and Wembley, thank you so much! It’s for the people.” – Oleksandr Usyk
After the bout, Usyk expressed his intention to pursue a hiatus from the sport. He stated, “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.”
With Usyk adamant on taking a break, the question of who he faces next looms over the undisputed champion. Possible opponents for Usyk include former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, plus Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. He remarked on these possibilities, stating, “Maybe it’s Tyson Fury. Maybe we have three choices, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. Maybe Joseph Parker. Listen, I cannot now say because I want to go back home.”
Usyk’s victory, the second in unifying the four major championships, significantly raises his championship credentials. It further cements his standing as one of the most elite fighters in the heavyweight division. As someone who has already beaten Tyson Fury twice, he continues to be a threat among the heavyweight boxing division ranks.
