Usyk knocks out Dubois in fifth round to remain heavyweight champion

Oleksandr Usyk became a three-time undisputed heavyweight champion by knocking out Britain’s Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, cementing his place as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

The 38-year-old Ukrainian put on a spectacular show in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, ending Dubois’ dream of becoming the first British boxer to unify the heavyweight division in the four-belt era.

Usyk knocked Dubois down twice in the fifth round, with the Londoner failing to beat the referee’s count on the second knockdown. The win was also Usyk’s second finish of opponent Dubois, whom he defeated in 2023. With 24 wins, he remains unbeaten in his professional career.

“I’m sorry, Daniel, this is sport. My people wanted this win,” Usyk told DAZN.

“After that, nothing more. Enough now. I want to rest with my family, my wife and my kids. Two, three months, I just want to rest.”

Dubois, who defended his IBF title against Anthony Joshua in September, suffered his third career defeat in this fight, all three of which ended by knockout.

Usyk also regained the IBF belt, which he had been stripped of a few weeks after the unification of the divisions in 2023. He now holds the WBA (Super), WBO, IBF and WBC titles.

“I have to give him credit for his performance. I gave it my all. “Don’t take anything away from him – I’ll be back. “I fought round after round and tried to win, said Dubois. That’s it. Usyk remained unbeatable. The fight attracted some of the biggest names in boxing to Wembley, including Roy Jones Jr. and Frank Bruno. WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker was also in attendance, looking forward to a showdown with Usyk. The fight was lively, with both fighters receiving loud cheers, but it soon became clear that Usyk’s experience and skills far outstripped his opponent. Dubois opened the fight with a sharp jab, but Usyk’s deft movements and precise counters made it hard for him to parry.