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Usyk Crowned Undisputed Heavyweight King After Stunning Knockout Victory Over Dubois
On July 19, 2025, Oleksandr Usyk solidified his place in boxing history by delivering a brutal 10th-round knockout over Daniel Dubois in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The Ukrainian southpaw now holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, and WBC titles—an unprecedented feat in the four-belt era.
In front of a roaring global audience and a packed arena, Usyk (23-0, 15 KOs) answered every question about his dominance, dispatching the dangerous British puncher Dubois (20-3, 19 KOs) in clinical fashion.
Fight Summary: A Masterclass of Movement and Power
Usyk controlled the tempo from the opening bell. While Dubois tried to establish range and leverage his power, Usyk’s superior footwork and high ring IQ neutralized the threat early. The Ukrainian used sharp jabs, evasive angles, and body-to-head combinations to systematically break down his opponent.
In the 10th round, Usyk landed a thunderous left straight that dropped Dubois hard to the canvas. The referee stopped the bout as Dubois struggled to his feet, marking Usyk’s first knockout win in a heavyweight title defense since 2021.
Fight Stats: Usyk’s Accuracy vs Dubois’ Power
| Category | Usyk | Dubois |
|---|---|---|
| Total Punches Landed | 228 | 117 |
| Power Punches Landed | 161 | 91 |
| Jabs Landed | 67 | 26 |
| Knockdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Rounds Won (Unofficial) | 8 | 1 |
Usyk’s punch accuracy, particularly with his left hand, proved decisive. Dubois landed some heavy shots in the middle rounds but failed to maintain sustained pressure.
Reaction from the Boxing World
Oleksandr Usyk (post-fight):
"For my country, for my family, and for every Ukrainian, I give this victory. Undisputed—it is ours!"
Daniel Dubois:
"He was the better man tonight. I gave it everything, but he's a great champion. I’ll rebuild and come back stronger."
Lennox Lewis (ringside analyst):
"Usyk is a master of the art. What we witnessed tonight was not just a win, but a statement."
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| Oleksandr Usyk knocks down Daniel Dubois and wins the fight |
Historic Achievement: First Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Since Lennox Lewis
Usyk’s win marks the first time in over two decades that a single man has held all four major heavyweight titles. The last undisputed champion was Lennox Lewis in 1999 (in the three-belt era).
The Ukrainian has now completed one of the most remarkable runs in modern boxing:
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Unified cruiserweight champion (2018)
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Unified heavyweight champion (2022)
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Undisputed heavyweight champion (2025)
His legacy is now comparable to boxing legends like Evander Holyfield and Muhammad Ali.
What’s Next for Usyk and Dubois?
For Usyk:
With all belts in hand, the path ahead is either retirement at the pinnacle or a lucrative defense against top contenders such as:
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Tyson Fury (if he returns from hiatus)
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Anthony Joshua (third bout possible)
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Filip Hrgović or Jared Anderson as mandatory challengers
For Dubois:
Despite the loss, Dubois is still just 27 years old. His power and improvement in technique suggest he remains a threat in the heavyweight landscape. A rebuilding path through rematches or regional titles is expected.
Timeline of Usyk’s Journey to Undisputed
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion |
| 2021 | Beats Anthony Joshua for unified titles |
| 2022 | Defeats Joshua in rematch |
| 2023 | Controversial win over Dubois (low blow) |
| July 2025 | Knocks out Dubois, becomes undisputed |
Global Reactions and Political Symbolism
As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, Usyk’s victory carried immense symbolic weight. Dressed in the Ukrainian flag, he dedicated the win to his homeland, saying, "This belt is for freedom."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Usyk personally, stating:
“You showed the heart of a warrior and the soul of a nation.”
Final Thoughts: A Defining Night for Boxing History
Usyk’s triumph over Dubois is more than a title win—it’s a defining chapter in the story of modern boxing. From Olympic gold to undisputed champion across two divisions, Oleksandr Usyk has now achieved greatness that few fighters even dream of.
The world will remember July 19, 2025, as the night when Oleksandr Usyk stood alone atop the heavyweight mountain—undisputed, undeniable, and unforgettable.