Usyk Brutal Knockout of Dubois Shocks Wembley: Heavyweight King Returns!
On July 19, 2025, Oleksandr Usyk solidified his legacy as the greatest heavyweight of the 21st century with a stunning fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian, outmatching his 27-year-old British rival, delivered a masterclass of skill and power to reclaim the undisputed heavyweight title. With a devastating right hook and a final left that sent Dubois crashing to the canvas, Usyk restored his reign over the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF belts, which he briefly lost due to boxing politics.
This victory not only reasserted Usyk’s dominance but also carried profound significance for Ukraine amid its ongoing struggles. Below, we explore the fight’s defining moments, Usyk’s tactical brilliance, and the emotional weight of his triumph.
A Clinical Knockout at Wembley
The fight ended with a display of Usyk’s surgical precision and relentless aggression. From the opening bell, he controlled the ring, landing crisp jabs from his southpaw stance to keep Dubois at bay. Despite Dubois’ efforts to impose his size and power, Usyk’s footwork and speed were unmatched.
In the fifth round, a sharp combination opened the door for a crushing right hook that floored Dubois. The Brit rose unsteadily, but Usyk pounced with shark-like instincts, delivering a thunderous left that sent Dubois’ gumshield flying and his body crumpling.
As the referee began counting, a white towel from Dubois’ corner signaled surrender, sealing Usyk’s victory at 2:36 of the round. The Wembley crowd erupted, chanting “U-syk! U-syk!” as the champion knelt on the canvas, overcome with emotion. This knockout marked Usyk’s eighth heavyweight fight since transitioning from cruiserweight, where he also held undisputed status.
Usyk’s Mastery Over a Rising Star
Daniel Dubois entered the ring brimming with confidence, backed by his father, Stan, who believed his son’s youth and power could topple Usyk. Fresh off a knockout win over Anthony Joshua in September 2024, Dubois aimed to cement his redemption story, with Dennis Brown’s reggae anthem “Want To Be No General” echoing his resolve.
Yet, Usyk, the “savage scientist,” dismantled him with precision. In the second round, Usyk ducked a wild right and snapped Dubois’ head back with a straight left. By the third, he was landing jolting punches, spraying sweat from Dubois’ head. Even when Dubois targeted Usyk’s body in the fourth, the Ukrainian shrugged off a low blow and maintained control.
Usyk’s experience, honed against elite fighters like Tyson Fury, whom he defeated 14 months prior, proved too much for Dubois, who joined Fury and Joshua as victims of Usyk’s brilliance.
A Victory for Ukraine’s Spirit
Usyk’s triumph transcended boxing, serving as a beacon of hope for Ukraine amid its war with Russia. In the lead-up, Usyk passionately condemned Vladimir Putin and challenged U.S. President Donald Trump to spend a week in his Kyiv home to witness the conflict’s toll.
His victory, celebrated with an emotional kneel in the ring, resonated deeply in his homeland, where he is a national hero. Social media buzzed with praise, with X users like MailSport calling it “another Usyk masterclass” and fans noting, “He fights for more than just titles.”
The win restored the IBF title stripped from Usyk in 2024, making him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. As Usyk prepares for potential rematches or new challengers, his legacy as a warrior in and out of the ring grows. For the 90,000 fans at Wembley, witnessing Usyk’s majesty was a privilege, cementing his status as boxing’s unyielding king.
