Usyk Stops Dubois in Fifth-Round KO to Reclaim IBF Belt and Cement His Legacy
WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON – In a masterclass of precision and power, Oleksandr Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round (1:52) to once again become the undisputed heavyweight champion, reclaiming the IBF title alongside his WBA (Super), WBC and WBO belts .
Usyk set the tone early, flooring Dubois with a punishing southpaw counter in round two, then methodically picking apart his opponent with crisp jabs and hooks. In the fifth, a blistering left hook sent Dubois crashing to the canvas where he could not beat the count, prompting referee intervention at 1:52 of the round .
With the stoppage, Usyk extended his perfect record to 24-0 and became the first three-time undisputed champion of the four-belt era, adding back the IBF strap he vacated last year to his collection .
“Thirty-eight is a young guy, remember. Thirty-eight is only the start,” Usyk smiled afterward, hinting at blockbuster rematches against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua or mandatory challenger Joseph Parker down the line .
Despite the loss, Dubois remained defiant, telling DAZN, “I have to commend him on the performance—I gave everything I had. Take no credit away from that man. I’ll be back.” His record now stands at 22-3 as he vows to learn and return stronger .
