Usyk Reclaims Undisputed Status, Unifies All Four Heavyweight Titles
Oleksandr Usyk is once again the four-belt heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian southpaw put on a strong performance in front of 90,000 cheering supporters. He defeated Daniel Dubois in the fifth round and reclaimed the IBF belt that he had vacated back in 2020. This was his second time unifying the WBA WBC IBF and WBO belts.
Head-to-head comparison |
||
|---|---|---|
| Oleksandr Usyk | Daniel Dubois | |
| Age | 38 years old | 27 years old |
| Nationality | Ukrainian | British |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) |
| Reach | 78 in (198 cm) | 78 in (198 cm) |
| Professional record | 23–0 (17 KOs) | 22–4 (21 KOs) |
| World titles held | WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO (Heavyweight) | Former IBF Heavyweight Champion |
| Undisputed titles | 2× Four-Belt Undisputed Champion | – |
There is no controversy this time
Dubois, with his 22-3 record and 21 KOs, was crushed by this defeat. Just 10 months ago, the young boxer stunned the world when he knocked Anthony Joshua out in round 5.
The first fight between Usyk and Dubois was marred by controversy due to a low punch. This time, Usyk (23-0, 17 KOs) left no doubt. He dominated the opening rounds with his body shots and angles. In the fifth, he knocked Dubois down twice. The second knockdown was caused by a right looping hook that hit flush against Dubois’ jaw.
Howard Foster, the referee in this fight, stopped it at 2:11 during the fifth round. This ended Dubois’ bid to become Britain’s first undisputed heavyweight champion after Lennox Lewis.
Instead, he has now joined the club of Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and other British heavyweights that have suffered multiple defeats against Oleksandr Usyk.
The fourth belt journey since the last undisputed match
Since Usyk initially gave up the IBF title in 2024 so he could focus on his high-stakes fight against Fury, it has been inherited by Dubois.
Dubois fought Filip Hrgovic for the interim title and then fought Anthony Joshua to win the IBF full belt.
This sets up the last high-profile unification clash.
Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight boxer who has won the four-belt undisputed champion title twice.
What’s next for the champion?
Usyk was humble and composed at the post-fight press conference. He said, “I will continue boxing and continuing to train, but I cannot say who my next opponent will be.”
While he was considering quitting the heavyweight division earlier, he has now named Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, and Joseph Parker as possible contenders for his next fight.
Jake Paul also threw his hat into the ring.
Legacy beyond belts
Usyk, 38 years old, has already won Olympic gold in the sport of boxing. He is also a former world cruiserweight champion who continues to create a lasting legacy as a boxing legend. He now stands alone as the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion of the 4-belt era.
