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‘The genius of modern boxing’ – Usyk triumphs over Dubois with knockout
Oleksandr Usyk introduced Daniel Dubois and the world to his signature left hook, affectionately named ‘Ivan,’ at Wembley on Saturday.
The Ukrainian southpaw delivered a decisive left hook, securing a fifth-round knockout and reaffirming his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Usyk arrived at the post-fight press conference an hour after extending his unblemished record to 24-0, and following a swift night’s work, engaged with the assembled media.
“My left hook is called Ivan,” Usyk revealed.
“Ivan is a Ukrainian name. Ivan is a strong man who resides in a village and dedicates himself to his family. It’s a powerful punch, Ivan.
“I first named it in 2018 during my time in the USA as a cruiserweight.”
Dubois had previously risen from the canvas after a right hook to the temple, but Usyk’s favored left hook proved to be the definitive blow.
The performance was yet another display of mastery from a true craftsman of the sport.
Despite facing heavy rain at Wembley Stadium, a crowd of 90,000 strong persevered to witness the unfolding spectacle.
Usyk demonstrated excellence across the board – evading Dubois’ attacks with agile footwork, responding with sharp counter shots, and showcasing undeniable heavyweight power.
This triumph elevates Usyk into an exclusive echelon, joining Muhammad Ali as the only fighters to have twice reigned undisputed in the heavyweight division.
Usyk Dominates Dubois to Reclaim Undisputed Title
Relive Usyk’s Decisive Victory Over Dubois at Wembley
Heavyweight Landscape: Analyzing the Implications of Usyk’s Win
If there were any doubts, they are now dispelled. Usyk is the preeminent heavyweight of his generation.
Usyk has not only surpassed his major rivals – Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Dubois – but has consistently overcome each of them.
He dethroned Joshua in only his third heavyweight bout to become a unified champion, and his trajectory has been consistently upward since.
Usyk avoids the path of least resistance.
After becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era by defeating Fury in 2024, Usyk had the option to defend his title against IBF mandatory challenger Dubois.
Instead, he chose to vacate the title to pursue a rematch with Fury, seeking a second consecutive victory, before ultimately reclaiming the IBF title from Dubois at Wembley.
“His achievement today was envisioned by him over a year ago,” said Egis Klimas, Usyk’s manager.
“His plan was to vacate the title, allow Dubois to win against someone else, and then contend for the undisputed title a third time. That was his strategy a year ago. He’s not only a great boxer but also mentally strong.”
Usyk stands above all active heavyweights, with Fury presenting his greatest challenge, while Joshua and Dubois are several tiers below.
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Usyk Nicknames Punch That Knocked Out Dubois
Many predicted a Dubois victory on Saturday, reasoning that Usyk, 11 years the Briton’s senior, was nearing a decline.
That assessment proved inaccurate.
But where does this victory – his 15th knockout – place him among the all-time heavyweight greats?
Usyk has competed in eight heavyweight fights, with six of them contested for world titles.
Some argue that the current heavyweight division lacks the depth seen in previous eras.
Throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, legends like Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman captivated audiences.
Earlier, Joe Louis achieved 25 successful title defenses between 1937 and 1948.
A top-three ranking might be considered after assessing Usyk’s complete body of work when he decides to retire, with potentially a few fights remaining.
However, as an Olympic gold medalist, undisputed cruiserweight champion, and two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, a top-five all-time spot seems justified already.
“I think he’s a legend,” former world champion Carl Frampton said on Dazn.
“He could compete in any era. He’s beaten everyone, and three of the top guys twice.”
The list of potential challengers for Usyk is limited.
Queensberry’s Frank Warren has seen two of his fighters – Fury and Dubois – fall to Usyk, but has a third candidate waiting in the wings.
Joseph Parker, the interim WBO champion, followed Usyk closely throughout fight week and on fight night.
The New Zealander is currently on a six-fight win streak and has previously held a world title.
At the other end of the spectrum is the promising young Briton Moses Itauma.
The 20-year-old is undefeated in 12 professional fights and is heralded as the future of the division.
Itauma has only gone beyond two rounds in two of his bouts, and boasts 10 knockouts on his record.
However, it seems premature to suggest he is ready to face the greatest of this era.
No one has yet devised a strategy to even come close to defeating Usyk.
Finding a current heavyweight who can match his all-around skillset has proven impossible, and that is unlikely to change.
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Usyk has fought at heavyweight eight times – and six of those bouts have been for world titles
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