Oleksandr Usyk Defeats Daniel Dubois; What’s Next for Heavyweights?

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk reclaimed his status as the undisputed world heavyweight champion after a decisive fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois on March 30, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. Usyk’s powerful left-hand punch sent Dubois to the canvas, allowing him to regain the IBF belt and solidify his collection of titles, which now includes the WBA, WBC, and WBO championships. This victory marks Usyk’s 24th win in an undefeated professional career, raising questions about his next steps in the heavyweight division.

Following the fight, Usyk expressed interest in potential matchups with several notable opponents. He specifically named Derek Chisora, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Joseph Parker as possible contenders. The WBO has indicated that Usyk may be required to defend his title against Parker next. If Usyk opts for a trilogy fight against Fury, he would need to vacate his WBO title, thus losing his undisputed champion status once again.

Dubois, on the other hand, faces a period of rebuilding after this setback. The 27-year-old had previously bounced back from defeats against Joe Joyce in 2020 and Usyk in 2022. His promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed that Dubois will not return to the ring for at least six months. Speculation suggests that a domestic clash with either Chisora or Dillian Whyte could be on the horizon.

Tyson Fury was quick to call out Usyk following the fight, asserting his desire for a third encounter. Despite having retired after his last bout with Usyk in December 2023, Fury remains adamant that he won their previous matches. He has announced plans to return to the ring in 2026, with Warren revealing that Fury would prefer to fight Usyk at Wembley.

Should Usyk choose to engage in a match against Parker, it could pave the way for a long-anticipated showdown between Fury and Joshua. Although neither holds a world heavyweight championship title at present, a contest between the two British fighters would capture significant public interest and is likely to sell out Wembley.

While Joshua has been linked to a potential fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, a bout against Fury would be a more fitting addition to his legacy. Fans have long awaited this matchup, with many believing it should have occurred much earlier.

As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, the outcomes of Usyk’s next fight and Dubois’ comeback strategy will undoubtedly shape the landscape of boxing in the coming months. With multiple potential matchups on the table, fans can expect an exciting series of events as the heavyweights jockey for position in this competitive arena.