Oleksandr Usyk secured a sensational fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium, reinforcing his dominance in the heavyweight division.
While the Ukrainian southpaw continues to downplay claims that he belongs among boxing’s all-time greats, performances like this make it increasingly difficult to dispute his place in history.
Before nearly 90,000 spectators, Usyk cemented his place in heavyweight history, reclaiming the IBF title he previously vacated and defending his WBA, WBC, and WBO belts to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion for a second time.
Despite his 38 years, Usyk made it clear in the post-fight press conference that retirement is nowhere on his radar.
“I will continue boxing and I will continue training, but now I cannot say who my next opponent will be,” he said. “I prepared 3 1/2 months, I’ve not seen my family, my wife. Every day I live with my team, 14 guys in one house. Now I want to go back home.”
Usyk floored Dubois twice in the fifth round, finishing him with a sharp left hook that he later nicknamed the “Ivan”, a move he described with classic Usyk humor.
“Ivan is like a big guy who lives in (the) village and work in (a) farm… it’s a hard, hard punch,” he said.
Dubois, who had been hoping to become the first British heavyweight to unify all major titles since Lennox Lewis, failed to recover from the heavy shot.
He stayed down on the canvas, unable to beat the count, and acknowledged Usyk’s supremacy.
“I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I’ll be back,” Dubois told DAZN after the fight.
The 27-year-old’s performance was a marked improvement from their previous encounter, a controversial ninth-round stoppage in Poland marred by a disputed low blow.
This time, there was no ambiguity, Usyk’s power and timing spoke for themselves.
Usyk’s latest win brings his professional record to an unblemished 24-0 with 15 knockouts.
A master tactician by reputation, Saturday’s display proved he can finish just as ruthlessly.
Although Usyk downplays talk of his greatness, choosing instead to credit consistency and dedication, his legacy continues to build.
“I don’t have motivation, I have discipline. Motivation is temporary,” he explained.
Since moving up from cruiserweight, where he was also undisputed champion, Usyk has now defeated Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Dubois, each of them twice.
And while he remains modest about his place in the sport, his connection to the UK is something he openly cherishes.
“I’m very grateful for this country. Thank you so much, you’re the best,” he said, reminiscing on his gold medal win at the 2012 London Olympics and his earlier amateur success in Liverpool.
Saturday’s showdown had its share of spectacle, including an appearance by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who was met with boos from the crowd but later stirred buzz by suggesting a fight with both Anthony Joshua and Usyk.
“Congrats to one of the greatest heavyweights of all time… I respect you a lot. Now we do an MMA match for the world,” Paul posted on social media. “First AJ then OU. Book it.”
Paul even had a moment in the ring with Usyk post-fight, sharing a brief stare-down — perhaps hinting at a future showdown, however unlikely.
Usyk, meanwhile, made his entrance with his signature eccentricity, tucking a stuffed Eeyore toy into his jumpsuit, a sentimental gift from his daughter that has become a familiar sight at his fights.
Whether or not Usyk accepts his status among boxing’s elite, his record and performances continue to prove otherwise.
And with names like Joshua, Fury, Chisora, Parker and now even Jake Paul swirling around, the road ahead promises more drama in the heavyweight division.
