Oleksandr Usyk Dominates Daniel Dubois at Wembley to Become Two-Time Undisputed Heavyweight Champion
Oleksandr Usyk once again demonstrated why he is considered the standout heavyweight of his generation, defeating Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in emphatic fashion. The Ukrainian southpaw sealed a fifth-round knockout victory with a signature left hook, which he affectionately calls “Ivan”, adding another highlight to his undefeated record, now 24-0.
Usyk introduced his knockout punch at the post-fight press conference with a grin. “My left hook is called Ivan. Ivan is a Ukrainian name. He is a big guy who lives in a village and works hard for his family. It’s a hard punch,” he said, recalling that he first named it in 2018 during his cruiserweight days in the USA.
Dubois, despite briefly rising from the canvas after an earlier right hook, was unable to recover from the devastating combination that ended the fight. Usyk’s skill was on full display, from his slick footwork to his precise counters, showing both technical mastery and raw heavyweight power. The 90,000-strong crowd, braving heavy rain at Wembley, were treated to a masterclass in boxing technique.
This victory cements Usyk’s place in history, making him only the second man after Muhammad Ali to become undisputed heavyweight champion twice. His journey to this stage has been methodical and fearless, defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and now Dubois—not once, but twice in each case. Usyk dethroned Joshua in just his third heavyweight bout to claim unified champion status and has consistently chosen the most challenging paths rather than taking easy fights.
After first becoming undisputed champion by defeating Fury in 2024, Usyk chose to vacate his IBF belt rather than defend it against Dubois, aiming instead for a rematch with Fury. This strategic move allowed him to reclaim the IBF title at Wembley in a calculated demonstration of his dominance. His manager, Egis Klimas, noted, “What he achieved today was planned more than a year ago. Oleksandr is not just a gifted boxer, he is mentally exceptional.”
Many had predicted a potential Dubois upset, citing the age difference—Usyk being 11 years senior—but the fight dispelled any doubts. Usyk’s record now includes 15 knockouts in just eight heavyweight fights, six of which were world title bouts. Comparisons to previous heavyweight eras—Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Joe Louis—highlight the magnitude of his accomplishments. As an Olympic gold medalist, undisputed cruiserweight champion, and now two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, Usyk already belongs in discussions about the top five heavyweights of all time.
Former world champion Carl Frampton praised the Ukrainian, saying, “He can compete in any era. He’s beaten everyone, and three of the top guys twice.” With serious contenders like Fury and Dubois already defeated, the search for a challenger capable of matching Usyk’s all-around skill remains elusive. Rising stars such as Moses Itauma or former champion Joseph Parker may eventually test him, but for now, no current heavyweight has a blueprint to overcome Usyk’s dominance.
Usyk’s combination of speed, power, tactical intelligence, and mental fortitude continues to make him a near-impossible challenge for any opponent. As he looks forward to future defenses, the heavyweight division is left with a new standard of excellence—one that may define the era for years to come.
