Daniel Dubois suffered a defeat against Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium over the weekend. Usyk triumphed over Dubois, claiming the undisputed heavyweight champion title for the third time. Dubois, aged 27, faced his third career loss, with Usyk being his opponent for the second time, leading to him relinquishing the IBF heavyweight crown to the Ukrainian.
Usyk secured his 24th career victory and his seventh consecutive win against British fighters. He reclaimed the IBF title in addition to holding the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts, crediting his success to a punch named ‘Ivan’ that he had been preparing with his team for two years.
Reflecting on his victory, Usyk explained that ‘Ivan’ was a powerful punch he implemented for the first time in 2018, emphasizing its significance in his strategy. He expressed his intentions to return home, make decisions about his future in boxing, and continue training without specifying his next opponent.
When asked if he considered himself among the greatest boxers of all time, Usyk humbly acknowledged his achievements in the UK, where he had won numerous accolades and fought notable opponents, expressing gratitude for the country’s support.
Dubois commended Usyk for his performance and acknowledged areas where he could improve, vowing to return stronger after the loss. His promoter, Frank Warren, praised Usyk as a remarkable fighter with exceptional mental resilience, highlighting his performance as legendary and expressing confidence in Dubois’s comeback.
Overall, the boxing event showcased Usyk’s dominance and Dubois’s determination, setting the stage for future bouts and exciting matchups in the heavyweight division.