Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion, spoke at a post-fight press conference about a surprising new direction after his victory over Daniel Dubois. He said he intends to pursue a serious football path, training with a club and sharpening his skills on a full-time basis. The Ukrainian superstar described a dream of facing Dynamo Kyiv and explained that his athletic versatility could translate into practical on-field impact. He envisions himself capable across the pitch, able to run tirelessly, defend with discipline, and join the attack. And yes, he joked about scoring a goal, adding that a fast sequence could end in a finish like a goal-scoring moment, underscoring his confidence and competitive mindset.
The fight itself delivered a decisive win for Usyk. In the ninth round, he landed a knockout that left Dubois unable to rise before the referee could reach the count. Earlier, in the fifth round, a powerful strike to the groin was ruled illegal, causing a lengthy pause as Usyk recovered. The referee did not deduct a point from Dubois. Promoter Frank Warren suggested there could be a rematch to reassess the outcome.
The bout served as a unification event for multiple titles: the WBA Super, WBO, IBF, and IBO belts, with The Ring magazine recognizing Usyk as the champion in his second defense. It marked Usyk’s 21st professional victory without a loss, extending an undefeated streak that has defined his career. Dubois arrived with 19 wins across 21 appearances, a respectable record but not enough to tilt the balance in this particular clash.
In the build-up to the fight, there was notable discourse from former champion Vitali Klitschko, who offered remarks to Usyk after the match. The exchanges highlighted the ongoing significance of this era in heavyweight boxing and the respect the sport commands from past champions who continue to shape the conversation around dominance, resilience, and future opportunities for Usyk.