LONDON (AP) — In the world of boxing, few names are garnering as much attention as Oleksandr Usyk. Following his emphatic fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, the 38-year-old Ukrainian continues to solidify his legacy, though he humbly disagrees with being labeled an all-time great. Instead, he credits his success to discipline, asserting that “motivation is temporary.” This latest victory has proven once again that Usyk is a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.
With a sensational left hook that caught Dubois flush on the jaw, Usyk not only retained his WBA, WBC, and WBO championship belts but also recaptured the IBF title he had relinquished a year prior. This victory marked his second time becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion, an achievement that adds another significant chapter to his illustrious career.
Future Plans and Potential Opponents
Usyk’s ambitions show no signs of waning; he categorically stated that he has no plans to retire anytime soon, considering himself still a “young guy” despite his age. When pressed about possible next opponents, he mentioned notable names like Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, and Joseph Parker. “I will continue boxing and I will continue training,” Usyk remarked, illustrating his unwavering commitment to the sport.
After an intense 3.5 months of preparation away from his family, living in close quarters with his team of 14, Usyk’s dedication to his craft is evident. “Now I want to go back home,” he expressed, signifying both a relief from his rigorous training regimen and a desire to reconnect with his family after a taxing fight camp.
Knockout and Performance
In an intense bout, Usyk showcased his technical prowess by dropping Dubois twice in the fifth round. The finishing shot—a lunging left hook—left the London native unable to rise before the count of ten. The atmosphere at Wembley, with around 90,000 spectators in attendance, added an electric ambiance to a fight that did not disappoint. Usyk, often recognized as a slick tactician instead of a power puncher, effectively addressed skeptics questioning his age and ability to maintain his status in the ring.
A Rivalry with a Twist
This match was a rematch of their previous showdown, which had been marked by controversy over a low blow that led to a ninth-round stoppage. This time, however, there was no disputed ending and the victory was clear-cut. Dubois, whose last fight had seen him achieve a stunning knockout of Anthony Joshua, now finds himself among other British heavyweights—namely Fury and Joshua—who have also fallen short against Usyk. The defeat to Usyk surely raises questions about Dubois’ future prospects, but he remained optimistic, stating, “I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I’ll be back.”
Usyk’s Connection to the UK
Usyk’s affection for Britain as a “second home” is well documented. He celebrated his Olympic gold medal win in London in 2012 and dethroned Anthony Joshua in a match held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021. His gratitude was evident as he addressed the crowd: “I’m very grateful for this country. Thank you so much, you’re the best.” His connection to the UK extends back to 2008, where he was crowned the European amateur champion in light heavyweight boxing.
Enter Jake Paul
Adding a curious twist to the evening, infamous YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul made a boisterous entrance that was met with widespread boos from the audience. He hinted at a potential matchup with Anthony Joshua, stirring speculation about the direction of both fighters’ careers. Frank Bruno, a heavyweight legend himself, was also among the VIP attendees, bringing nostalgic memories of his own historical title win at the old Wembley Stadium.
In a light-hearted touch, Usyk made his entrance to the ring with a stuffed donkey from the “Winnie the Pooh” series, a sentimental item given to him by his daughter. This charming detail adds to the multifaceted persona of a fighter who balances ferocity in the ring with a deep emotional connection to his family.
