Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has hinted at the possibility of a third fight with British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua following a dominant fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in London.
The 38-year-old undisputed champion retained his heavyweight titles in commanding fashion, dropping Dubois twice in the fifth round to extend his unbeaten run and further cement his status as boxing’s pound-for-pound leader.
Speaking after the win, Usyk teased fans with a shortlist of future opponents. “Maybe we have three choices — Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, maybe Joseph Parker,” he told the crowd. “Listen, I cannot say now because I want to go back home.”
Joshua, who lost back-to-back fights to Usyk in 2021 and 2022, remains a compelling opponent. Their previous bouts were highly competitive, and a trilogy would offer Joshua a chance at redemption while giving Usyk another marquee matchup.
Against Dubois, Usyk displayed his trademark ring craft and control from the opening bell. The end came swiftly in round five, as the Ukrainian landed a sharp left hook that dropped Dubois against the ropes. Although the Briton beat the count, Usyk followed up with another knockdown moments later to seal the victory.
“Thirty-eight is a young guy, remember… 38 is only the start,” Usyk joked after the fight. “This is for the people. This is enough. Next? I don’t know. I want to rest. I want to go back home to my wife, my family.”
The win added to Usyk’s already impressive résumé, which includes two victories over Tyson Fury in 2024 — first to unify the division in May, then again in a rematch later in the year. Though he has since vacated one of the belts, Usyk remains the dominant force in the heavyweight ranks.
For Dubois, the defeat was a major setback. He had previously suffered a controversial loss to Usyk in 2023 — a bout marred by debate over a body shot ruled a low blow. Since then, Dubois rebuilt his career with victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, and more recently stopped Anthony Joshua in five rounds.
A proposed fight against Joseph Parker was postponed due to illness, but Dubois had been seen as a resurgent contender until his second loss to Usyk.
With Joshua seeking a path back to the top and Usyk continuing his reign, a trilogy bout between the two could be one of the biggest fights in heavyweight boxing.
