This morning, on July 20th (Beijing time), the highly anticipated heavyweight unification rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois concluded at the vast Wembley Stadium in London. As expected, Usyk emerged victorious once again, but what surprised many was how dominant and effortless his performance was. Usyk made a statement with a stunningly efficient display, obliterating his opponent and setting a new record in his weight class.
Compared to their first encounter two years ago, both fighters quickly found their rhythm in the rematch. The early exchanges were more familiar, given their previous bout. Just 10 seconds into the fight, Usyk landed a sharp jab with lightning speed, a clear sign that things weren’t looking good for Dubois right from the start.
For the first two rounds, Usyk controlled the fight with ease. His jabs kept landing, while Dubois appeared to be struggling to find his rhythm, more focused on adapting to Usyk's pace than mounting any offense. Leading up to this rematch, many fans, based on Dubois' impressive performances in recent bouts, particularly his shocking four-knockdown victory over Joshua, believed the fight would be close, perhaps a 50-50 contest. However, it became clear that Dubois had been overrated, and Usyk was stronger and more prepared than anyone had imagined.
Dubois’ upset victory over Joshua in September of the previous year certainly raised his profile, but the truth is, he benefited from some luck in that fight. Joshua made a costly mistake in gauging the distance of Dubois' right hand, which caught him off guard and put him on the canvas. This allowed Dubois to gain an early advantage. In contrast, Usyk was ready for Dubois’ punches and had devised a strategy that didn’t allow him any openings.
Technically, Dubois was no match for Usyk, and his straightforward approach made him easy to read. His game plan was limited to linear attacks, relying mainly on his right-hand jabs and hooks. This predictability made it easy for Usyk to neutralize his attacks and keep him at bay.
From the very first round, Usyk expertly dismantled Dubois' game plan with a combination of jabs and counters that disrupted Dubois' rhythm. He psychologically wore down Dubois, leaving the Briton to chase after a breakthrough that never came. Usyk’s defense was tight, and his evasive movements ensured that Dubois couldn't land his heavy punches. Usyk's talent and technique were on full display, with flawless execution of every move, especially in his transitions between offense and defense, a masterclass in boxing. By comparison, Dubois’ efforts looked amateurish, with little more than brute force to rely on against an elite fighter like Usyk.
As the rounds progressed, Dubois tried to make adjustments, but Usyk was always a step ahead. In the third round, Dubois came out more aggressive, hoping to create chaos and find success in the exchanges. He did land a few punches, but those moments were few and far between. Dubois’ knockout power is evident, but without the ability to land clean shots, it was ineffective. Every time Dubois threw, Usyk either dodged or blocked, leaving Dubois frustrated and ineffective.
The fifth round saw Usyk shift to a more aggressive style. With rapid-fire punches, he took control of the pace, and in the exchanges that followed, Dubois was left behind. The difference in their technical abilities was apparent: Dubois tried to slug it out, but Usyk’s faster reactions and better defense meant that every time Dubois tried to land, he was countered.
In the middle of a frantic exchange, Dubois made a critical mistake. A momentary lapse in defense allowed Usyk to land a clean shot with a quick jab, which knocked Dubois off balance and sent him to the canvas. He rose, but Usyk pounced on him, and moments later, Dubois was down again, this time from a devastating hook to the chin. After a mandatory eight-count, Dubois barely made it to his feet, and the fight was stopped. Usyk secured a dominant knockout victory, marking another milestone in his career.
This victory not only solidified Usyk’s reign in the heavyweight division but also made him the first fighter in the four-belt era to dominate two different weight classes. By winning this rematch, Usyk became the first fighter in history to hold undisputed titles in two separate weight divisions, adding another achievement to his growing legacy. His fifth-round knockout of Dubois is also one of the fastest finishes in heavyweight unification history, a reminder of his dominance and skill.
As for what’s next for Usyk, there’s speculation that at 38 years old, he might retire while still at the top of his game. Many believe there’s little left for him to prove, but Usyk has hinted that he may fight one more time, possibly in a farewell bout. Given his current form and accomplishments, Usyk is quickly being compared to the likes of Muhammad Ali in terms of legacy. As for who can beat him, only time will tell.
