Oleksandr Usyk delivered a stunning fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian added the IBF title to his WBA, WBC, and WBO belts, cementing his legacy as the first three-time undisputed champion of the four-belt era.
Usyk had previously unified the cruiserweight division in 2018 and claimed all the heavyweight belts in May 2024 against Tyson Fury.
The fight, a rematch of their 2023 bout, which Usyk also won via stoppage, saw Dubois come out aggressively, pushing the pace from the opening bell. But Usyk’s superior footwork, ring IQ, and precision proved decisive.
Early in the fifth round, Usyk floored Dubois with a sharp combination and finished the contest emphatically at 1:52 with his trademark left hook, leaving the British fighter unable to beat the count.
“38 is a young guy, remember!” Usyk joked in the ring after dropping to his knees in celebration.
“I want to say thank you to Jesus Christ, my team, and you, Wembley. This victory is for the people, for our world people.”
Usyk remains unbeaten with a perfect 24-0 professional record.
A disappointed Dubois, who had been elevated to full IBF champion after Usyk relinquished the belt to pursue a rematch with Fury, was gracious in defeat:
“Bro, I’m sorry. It’s a sport. I gave it everything I had. Take nothing away from the man, I’ll be back.”
Looking ahead, Usyk mentioned Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, IBF mandatory Derek Chisora, and WBO interim champion Joseph Parker as possible final opponents for what could be the last chapter of his illustrious career.
