Usyk’s Two-Knockdown Fifth Round Reunited the Heavyweight

Oleksandr Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2025. The London rematch returned the IBF championship to Usyk alongside his WBC, WBA and WBO belts, restoring his undisputed heavyweight status.

Movement limited Dubois’s early pressure

Dubois tried to impose his size and punching power, but Usyk repeatedly changed angles and answered with jabs, body attacks and counters. The Ukrainian’s timing prevented the pressure from becoming a sustained offensive advantage.

Usyk increasingly controlled the exchanges as the rounds progressed. Dubois continued pursuing openings, but had difficulty landing consistently without receiving accurate replies.

Two fifth-round knockdowns ended the contest

A right hand from Usyk sent Dubois down during an exchange in the fifth. Dubois rose, but Usyk immediately renewed the attack rather than allowing him time to recover his rhythm.

A left hook produced the second knockdown. Dubois could not beat the count, and the official stoppage came at 1:52 of the round.

The rematch completed another undisputed achievement

Usyk improved to 24–0, with fifteen knockout victories. He had already defeated Dubois in their 2023 meeting and returned to Wembley seeking the belt he had relinquished before his later Tyson Fury rematch.

Dubois had subsequently held the IBF title and defended it against Anthony Joshua. Usyk’s second victory over him therefore reunited all four major heavyweight belts, adding another undisputed championship achievement to a career that also included cruiserweight supremacy.

Sources

• WBC: two knockdowns, right hand, left hook and undefeated record
• WBA: early pressure, counters and championship context
• BoxRec: date, venue and official 1:52 fifth-round finish
• Reuters via GMA: regained IBF belt, prior vacation and Joshua defense

Tags

Boxing, Combat Sports