On July 20, 2025, at Wembley Stadium in London, Oleksandr Usyk reaffirmed his supremacy with a spectacular fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois in one of the year’s most anticipated boxing rematches. The rivalry that had been developing since their contentious first fight came to a definitive end when Usyk won the undisputed heavyweight title again.
A One-Sided Masterclass Before the Knockout
Usyk showed exceptional movement, footwork, and shot selection from the first bell. Dubois attempted to use power punches early on, but the Ukrainian master technician quickly managed the pace and distance. It was evident by Round 3 that Usyk was controlling the bout.
At the time of the stoppage:
- Judge 1 had it 40–36
- Judge 2 had it 39–37
- Judge 3 had it 39–37
All in favor of Usyk.
Usyk sent Dubois reeling to the canvas in Round 5 with a vicious right hand after a clean left hook. The referee immediately stopped the fight and pronounced Usyk the winner by knockout.
Dubois’ Setback – What Went Wrong?
With better footwork and conditioning, Dubois entered the fight with a newfound resolve. But once more, Usyk’s technical superiority proved to be too much to bear.
- Dubois’ Record after the fight: 22 wins (21 KOs), 3 losses
- Major flaw: Inability to close distance and cut off Usyk’s lateral movement
- Trainer’s take: “He had a solid camp, but when you face Usyk, it’s not just power—you need to solve a puzzle.”
What Did They Say After the Fight?
Oleksandr Usyk (Post-Fight Quote):
“I respect Daniel. He’s strong and brave. But I am focused, disciplined, and ready for anyone.”
Daniel Dubois:
“I gave it my all, but he’s a great champion. I’ll be back stronger. This isn’t the end for me.”
Frank Warren (Promoter):
“Daniel needs to take time off—at least six months. He’s young, talented, and will bounce back.”
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
For Usyk:
- Possible unification bout against Tyson Fury or third fight with Anthony Joshua
- WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles secured
- Taking a brief break before returning to camp
For Dubois:
- A likely 6-month hiatus from competition
- Expected to return in early 2026
- May fight a top-15 contender for rebuilding confidence and momentum
Heavyweight Division Outlook After the Fight
| Rank | Fighter | Status |
| 1 | Oleksandr Usyk | Undisputed Champion |
| 2 | Tyson Fury | Likely next contender |
| 3 | Anthony Joshua | In talks for late 2025 clash |
| 4 | Zhilei Zhang | Rising contender |
| 5 | Daniel Dubois | Needs rebuild, still in top 5 |
Conclusion
Although Daniel Dubois’ ascent to the top is temporarily on hold, his career is far from over at the age of 27. Oleksandr Usyk demonstrated once more why he is one of the best fighters in terms of strength, but Dubois needs to regroup and come back smarter rather than stronger.
Although the July 20 knockout may seem like the end, it might mark the start of a more polished and determined Dubois, prepared to compete once more in a stacked heavyweight division.
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