DUBOIS’ CLASS
On a pulsating night at Wembley Stadium, Daniel Dubois delivered a performance that will be etched in boxing history, securing a stunning knockout victory over Oleksandr Usyk in the ninth round to claim the undisputed heavyweight championship. The rematch, held on July 19, 2025, saw the 27-year-old Londoner silence doubters and rewrite his narrative against the Ukrainian maestro, who had previously defeated him in 2023. With an electrified crowd of nearly 90,000 roaring behind him, Dubois showcased his devastating power and newfound maturity, using his signature punch to slow Usyk down and ultimately dethrone the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO champion, while unifying the IBF title he already held.
From the opening bell, Dubois approached the fight with a clear strategy, leveraging his physical advantages and lessons learned from their first encounter. The controversy of their initial bout, where a disputed low blow call had allowed Usyk time to recover, seemed to fuel Dubois’ determination. This time, there would be no question marks. Dubois, heavier at 17st 6lb compared to Usyk’s career-high 16st 3lb, used his size and power to dictate the pace. His signature right hand, a weapon that had floored Anthony Joshua in a previous Wembley spectacle, was on full display early. In the first round, Dubois landed a thunderous body shot that visibly rattled Usyk, setting the tone for a gruelling contest.
Usyk, the 38-year-old Olympic gold medallist and former cruiserweight undisputed champion, relied on his trademark footwork and technical brilliance to evade Dubois’ early onslaught. The Ukrainian, who had defeated Tyson Fury twice to claim and retain his titles, attempted to establish his jab and control the ring’s centre. However, Dubois’ relentless pressure and improved conditioning were evident. Unlike their 2023 clash, where Dubois landed only 47 of 290 punches, this time he was more precise, targeting Usyk’s body to sap his energy. By the fourth round, Usyk’s movement, typically fluid and elusive, began to slow as Dubois’ body shots took their toll.
The Wembley crowd, a sea of British flags interspersed with Ukrainian support, sensed a shift as Dubois grew in confidence. His trainer, Don Charles, could be heard urging him to maintain the “second phase” – following up his jab with combinations to prevent Usyk from slipping away. Dubois heeded the advice, cornering Usyk against the ropes in the sixth round and unloading a barrage of punches. A vicious left hook to the body in the seventh had Usyk wincing, and commentators noted the Ukrainian’s usually unshakable composure beginning to crack. Dubois, whose knockout percentage stands at an imposing 95%, was proving his reputation as a giant-killer.
As the fight entered the later rounds, Usyk’s resilience kept him in the contest, landing sharp counters that reminded everyone of his pedigree. Yet, Dubois’ relentless approach never wavered. In the ninth round, the moment arrived. Dubois trapped Usyk in a corner, feinted with a jab, and unleashed his signature right hand to the body, followed by a crushing uppercut. Usyk crumpled to the canvas, unable to beat the referee’s count. Wembley erupted as Dubois, the underdog, became the first Briton to unify the heavyweight division in the four-belt era, a feat not accomplished by a British fighter since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Post-fight, Dubois was magnanimous, praising Usyk’s legacy while asserting his own arrival. “I knew I could do it. I’ve grown, I’ve learned, and tonight I showed the world,” he told DAZN. Usyk, gracious in defeat, hinted this might be one of his final fights, saying, “Daniel is a great fighter. I gave my all, but tonight was his night.” The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Dubois, who had rebuilt his career with knockouts over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Joshua after the 2023 loss to Usyk.
The boxing world now looks to Dubois as the new king of the heavyweight division. With Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora looming as potential challengers, the Londoner’s reign promises more fireworks. For now, though, Dubois basks in his crowning moment, a testament to his power, perseverance, and undeniable class at Wembley Stadium.
