Usyk Achieves Historic Undisputed Champion Status for the Third Time

LONDON: Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian boxer, defeated Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium, reclaiming his title as the undisputed heavyweight champion. This victory further solidifies Usyk’s reputation as a remarkable athlete of his time.

Usyk’s triumph marks him as the first boxer ever to secure undisputed champion status on three separate occasions, having previously achieved this feat at cruiserweight (2018) and now in the heavyweight division (2024).

Oleksandr Usyk exhibited dominance throughout the initial four rounds and managed to knock down Dubois early in the fifth during their anticipated rematch. Subsequently, he overwhelmed his British adversary with a powerful left hook later in the same round, securing the win before a crowd of roughly 90,000 spectators.

Usyk initially encountered Dubois in August of the preceding year in Poland, where he emerged victorious via a ninth-round knockout, having previously knocked down the British boxer twice during the contest.

Nevertheless, their initial bout sparked considerable discussion due to a punch that sent Usyk to the canvas but was deemed a low blow by the officiating team.

Usyk expressed his apologies to Dubois, acknowledging the nature of the sport and the expectations of his supporters for this victory. He also mentioned his intention to take a three-month break.

Following the match, Usyk stated, “I’m sorry [Dubois], it’s sport. My people wanted this win.” He added, “Nothing is next. It’s enough. Next, I want to rest. My family, my wife, my children, I want to rest now. Two or three months, I want to just rest.”

Dubois, who defended his IBF title against Anthony Joshua in September, commended Usyk’s performance and voiced his determination to make a comeback. He remarked, “I have to commend him on the performance, I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man, I’ll be back. I was just fighting, trying to pick up round by round. It is what it is.”