Boxing
Nearly two years after their first bout, Oleksandr Usyk has successfully defended his heavyweight title with a knockout of Daniel Dubois with 1:52 remaining in the fifth round of their title fight at Wembley Stadium.
Dubois attempted to be the aggressor early in the fight, a strategy that would eventually backfire against an elite counter puncher like Usyk. As the fight went on, the Ukrainian began to time up Dubois, eventually dropping him with a powerful strike in the fifth round.
The London native was able to get back to his feet, but only for a matter of moments. Soon after, Usyk connected with a right hand before loading up a lethal left that sent the London native tumbling to the canvas again. This time, Dubois could not beat the 10-count.
The 38-year-old Usyk is now the first boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion three different times.
Undercard results:
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Ruthless Oleksandr Usyk stops Daniel Dubois in fifth round to reclaim undisputed crown
Cunning, composed and calculated – these three words describe the dominant performance Oleksandr Usyk put forth at Wembley Stadium, knocking out Daniel Dubois to become the first boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion three different times.
Looking for additional insights on Usyk knockout win over Dubois? The Athletic's Sarah Shephard was at Wembley and shares her analysis below.
GO FURTHER
Ruthless Oleksandr Usyk stops Daniel Dubois in fifth round to reclaim undisputed crown
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According to CompuBox, Daniel Dubois threw a total of 179 punches which is 20 more than he attempted in their first fight back in August of 2023. Oleksandr Usyk threw less punches than last fight but was more efficient, landing 46 per cent of his power punches.
In the deciding fifth round, Usyk landed eight of the 11 power punches he threw and the last one was lethal.
Oleksandr Usyk took a moment to celebrate with his wife after his knockout victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley.
Anything to sell a fight…
Love him or hate him, Jake Paul will always try to make something shake.
Here's the left hand from Oleksandr Usyk that dropped Daniel Dubois…
The resume only grows for Oleksandr Usyk, who is now the undisputed heavyweight world champion for the second time.
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Jake Paul and Oleksandr Usyk face to face.
One has to wonder what this interaction was about…
Is there anyone out there that can take these belts away from Oleksandr Usyk?
Challenger after challenger have appeared and they've all met the same fate…
Everyone is asking the same question now – who will Oleksandr Usyk fight next? Unfortunately for those curious, he clearly does not have an answer yet. But, he does have a few ideas…
"Maybe it's Tyson Fury, Maybe we have three options. Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. Maybe Joseph Parker. I cannot say now, because I want to go home."
Was he just trolling the Wembley crowd or are these real candidate?
Oleksandr Usyk praised the fans at Wembley in the ring after his win over Daniel Dubois and he even took time afterwards to show his appreciation on the way back to the locker room.
No wonder there's so much love for the champion in London.
Here's another impressive stat on Oleksandr Usyk:
With his win over Daniel Dubois, the 38-year-old has now become undisputed champion for the third time in his career.
In the four-belt era, not a single other boxer has achieved this status three different times…
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If you combine his amateur and professional records, Oleksandr Usyk is now 359-15 all-time.
Since becoming a professional in 2013, he has not lost yet and based on how he looked today, he might not lose for a while…
Take this with a grain of salt but Daniel Dubois' aggression in this fight seemed miscalculated, if not poorly executed.
Yes, his power is his biggest weapon but against a counter puncher with the poise and experience of Oleksandr Usyk, uncommitted right hands while lunging forward is a recipe for disaster.
There has been talk that Oleksandr Usyk is getting up there in age.
He viamitly and completely disagrees with that notion.
Oleksandr Usyk is now 8-0 in his storied career against fighters from the United Kingdom.
He's beaten Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua twice each, also defeating Derek Chisora and Tony Bellew.
The left hand of Oleksandr Usyk is a humbling force…
No controversy needed for the Champ today.
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Leaving this here without comment…
Not much to say for Daniel Dubois after the loss, understandably so. Getting in the ring with Oleksandr Usyk is always a dangerous proposition but this has to be a massive letdown.
"I gave everything I had… ," He said. "I take no credit away from the man. But I'll be back."
Even in Daniel Dubois' hometown, this crowd loves Oleksandr Usyk. He said he dedicates this win to the people at Wembley and all around the globe.
As for what's next? Usyk said he wants to rest and spend time with family, not worry about his next move. That said, he did playfully throw out a few names that could be on his radar.
When asked what advice he had for Dubois he calmly responded, "Bro, I'm sorry, it's sports. My people wanted this winner."
Well, there you have it…