Oleksandr Usyk the craftsman demolishes Daniel Dubois
Three-time undisputed status for one of the greats
“I need a rest,” Oleksandr Usyk mumbled into the DAZN mic, moments after dismissing Daniel Dubois in round five, his team draping a multitude of belts around their kingpin.
As if there was ever any doubt about this man’s ability. A one-person war machine, who strode out into Wembley Stadium, stoic, focused, hooded, behind a group of cowled henchmen at the start of an epic ringwalk.
Claiming back his IBF title to become a three-time undisputed champion (once cruiserweight, twice heavyweight), Usyk posted a display so dominant that he made Daniel Dubois look more like a green novice contender than a power-punching belt holder.
Usyk’s movement, jab, defensive responsibility and spiteful accuracy showed why he can mingle with the best of any era. Buoyed by every miniature moment of success Dubois had, Usyk hit back fiercely. Swiping in shots as Daniel lumbered and leered, the Londoner was trying to find an equaliser to a score where he was drifting into the minuses.
Usyk’s cuffing combinations were perfect. The left hand that caught Dubois square on the chin to finish matters in the fifth was a brutal final deliverance, delivered from a man intent on making a point to 90,000 spectators packed into a rain-swept Wembley.
This was supposed to be a new, improved version of Dubois, expected to come out swinging for the first portion of the fight. A different animal than the man who crumbled in Poland. All of that was swiftly rendered irrelevant.
Usyk swiftly pushed Dubois back into a mental space he thought he’d escaped from. A place of mental doubt. His jab became timid, or disappeared altogether. His shots all thrown at the same pace and with the same amount of power (as later noted savvily by Agit Kabayel at ringside).
No sooner had the victor wiped the sweat from his brow and had his gloves removed than the inevitable question of what’s next was thrust in his direction. After giving the usual answers —family, rest, and recuperation —some names were floated.
Joseph Parker, a former world champion on an excellent run of form, makes sense. Agit Kabayel, hardly a sexy name, but also in good form. It’s a shame those two didn’t fight in the chief support as a final eliminator for the headline winner.
Other than that, Usyk suggested a third fight with either Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury. Derek Chisora got a mention too. Do any of the names mentioned do anything for you? Not really for me, as Usyk has beaten most of them already.
In the pre-fight kerfuffle, Usyk’s advanced age of 38 years was brought up as evidence of Dubois’ chances. In a sport where the sands of time can run unexpectedly thin, seemingly overnight, Usyk looked ageless and timeless. This man could work his magic in any generation and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
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Wins for Okolie, Lapin and Dacres on the Usyk-Dubois 2 undercard
Lawrence Okolie defeated South African southpaw Kevin Lerena on points over 10 rounds. It was a forgettable watch as Okolie coasted, tired a little and had Lerena’s inactivity to thank for a mostly easy ride. Only DAZN comms see ‘The Sauce’ as a tasty threat to the world’s top heavies.
In a light-heavyweight battle to forget, Daniel Lapin squeezed past Lewis Edmondson following 10 rounds of fumbling, fouling and a little fighting thrown in occasionally. Lanky Lapin won by majority decision.
Vladyslav Sirenko arrived as a banger but turned out to be a neutered beast as Solomon Dacres danced around him for 10 rounds. Harsh to say that Sirenko has been found out? Dacres can find himself back in a British title tilt after this dominant display.
Prince Naz’s son, Aadam Hamed, continued his professional education by defeating Spanish-based Argentinian Ezequiel Gregores 40-36. Hamed is learning and maturing, but isn’t showing much to suggest he’ll reach any decent level.
Former Georgian amateur standout Lasha Guruli opened the show with a commanding fifth-round retirement win over Liverpool’s significantly outgunned James Francis.
Image Credit: Forbes
About Steve…
Current existence: Online editor at Boxing News Magazine.
Previous lives: Author (8 books), podcaster (500+ eps), scriptwriter for Motivedia channel, newspaper journalist, copywriter & educator.
Contact: stevenwellings1982@gmail.com
Usyk was more vicious than I've seen him previously. Not sure whether that's because Dubois was wide open to attack or whether there was some extra tension in this one? Usyk is a master and still the only ever PPV I've ever bought (Usyk/Gassiev).
Great re-cap! I was there and the atmosphere was outstanding, particularly for the main event!
It was lovely to see Dacres secure a win after the Adeleye blow-out! :)