It is little wonder that Oleksandr Usyk now calls England his second home. The brilliant undisputed heavyweight champion has not boxed anyone from outside these shores since before the Covid-19 pandemic and, following yet another masterclass, has now racked up a neat six straight wins against the very best of Britain. In a sport so hazardous and unpredictable as boxing, the word ‘emphatic’ barely does justice to the 2-0 head-to-head scoreline he has so skilfully amassed against Anthony Joshua, T
It is little wonder that Oleksandr Usyk now calls England his second home. The brilliant undisputed heavyweight champion has not boxed anyone from outside these shores since before the Covid-19 pandemic and, following yet another masterclass, has now racked up a neat six straight wins against the very best of Britain. In a sport so hazardous and unpredictable as boxing, the word ‘emphatic’ barely does justice to the 2-0 head-to-head scoreline he has so skilfully amassed against Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and now Daniel Dubois.
In what was the first ever undisputed heavyweight title fight staged in Great Britain, a sold out 90,000 Wembley crowd might have been expected to leave dejected at seeing Dubois, the local lad, being dismantled in only five rounds. But not so. British fans know their boxing and their appreciation for Usyk - and the greatness they had just witnessed - felt utterly genuine.
An Olympic champion, former undisputed cruiserweight champion and now twice undisputed heavyweight king, we are fast running out of superlatives for the unbeaten Ukrainian. A fighter who demonstrates that speed, ringcraft and technique will always trump raw strength and power, Usyk delivered here with the precision of a surgeon.
The brutal winning punch, which knocked Dubois’s gumshield clean from his mouth, was reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao when he inflicted a similarly devastating end to the equally game but inferior challenge that was once posed by Ricky Hatton. “We witnessed one of the true modern day legends - he is a special, special boxer - fighters like him come along only once in a generation,” said the promoter Frank Warren.
𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗥💥
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 19, 2025
THAT left hand from Oleksandr Usyk💣#UsykDubois2pic.twitter.com/ioym59PijF
Dubois and Usyk had of course met before in a fight that only heightened the pre-fight intrigue. Usyk did also largely control that fight to ultimately inflict a ninth round stoppage but not before being visibly hurt by a ‘low’ Dubois body shot.
Dubois claimed that he had been cheated after Usyk was granted several minutes to recover and was convinced that he had found a weakness.
Now 27, there was also a definite feeling that the two ensuing years had seen Dubois improve. That was supported by three explosive wins, most notably against Joshua here at Wembley last year. The accompanying hope was that even Usyk must at some point regress and, at 38, this might just be the moment. The counter - and there is always one with Usyk - is an almost sixth-sense ability to work out an opponent and thus make a second fight even easier. Fury and Joshua, after all, stand as proof that Usyk gives you even fewer chances in a rematch. From the national anthems to Sweet Caroline and finally Michael Buffer’s ‘Let’s get ready to rumble’, the introductions brought Wembley to a fever pitch. The word ‘redemption’ had been beamed out across the stadium as Dubois made his way to the ring. The Londoner had promised “chaos” in the opening stages - a period that surely offered his best chance - and took up immediate residence in the centre.
Dubois initially also had Usyk boxing off his back foot but, as he so often does, the champion instinctively problem-solved and enjoyed greater success with sharp counter jabs and hooks as the first round wore on.
The pattern continued into the second and third, with Dubois stalking Usyk but being stung by replies of unerring accuracy. They were not huge single punches but the cumulative impact was massive and Dubois slowed noticeably during the fourth. This was all the encouragement that Usyk needed and, with his instinct for the rhythm of a fight, Usyk moved closer and increased the pace. Clearly knowing that his chances were reducing with every round boxed, Dubois tried to turn the fight on its head in the fifth round. He backed Usyk into a corner and began loading up with big bombs. It was brave but reckless. Usyk simply stepped back, waited for Dubois’ defences to unravel, and delivered a grazing left around the back of the head followed by a piercing right.
Dubois was down but not seriously hurt and he desperately again tried to meet fire with fire. Yet against a fighter so skilled as Usyk, this was not just the beginning of the end. It was the end. As Dubois swung almost in slow motion, Usyk simply rocked back and threw his whole body into one last vicious left hand. Usyk sank to his knees in triumph and, for all the hope of a first undisputed British world heavyweight since Lennox Lewis, the Wembley crowd actually rose to their feet in appreciation. “Thank you so much - I love you,” said Usyk who, to rapturous applause, then claimed that “38 is a young guy” and tellingly pointed out his greatest strength. “It’s dedication not motivation,” he said. The Wembley fans would dearly love to see Usyk again - and the predictable post-fight talk was of a trilogy battle against Fury - but the truth is that he is running out of opponents. Especially from Great Britain.
11:40 PM BST
The winning punch
𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗥💥
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 19, 2025
THAT left hand from Oleksandr Usyk💣#UsykDubois2pic.twitter.com/ioym59PijF
11:00 PM BST
Dubois speaks - ‘I will be back’
On Usyk...
“I have to commend him on his performance. I gave everything I had. There is maybe a couple of things I could have been sharper on but take no credit away from him but make no mistake I will be back.”
On his performance...
“I was just fighting. I was trying to go round by round, it is what it is. I will be back.”
His promoter Frank Warren had this to say...
“Usyk is a modern day legend. I take my hat off to him. Daniel was ready for it. No excuses, the better man won on the night. He is a great champion.”
10:58 PM BST
How Usyk won
The Ukrainian dominated from the start, beating Dubois to the jab...
In the fifth round Usyk landed a right that sent Dubois to the canvas...
Having got up, Dubois then had no answer to a fine left and this time he could not get up and the fight was over...
10:51 PM BST
Usyk speaks - ‘I want a rest now’
On per-bout claims he was too old...
“Thirty-eight is a young guy remember, 38 is only the start!”
On who he wants to thank...
“I don’t know, I want to say thank you to Wembley, thank you so much. It is for people, for our world people”
On what’s to follow...
“I don’t know what’s next. I want a rest. I want to see my wife and children. I want a rest now.”
On a possible next opponent...
“Maybe Tyson Fury, maybe Derick Chisora, maybe Anthony Joshua, maybe Joseph Parker...listen I cannot say what’s next now. I want to go home.”
10:42 PM BST
Usyk said he would make a statement
And, boy, did he do that tonight. He dominated the entire fight and in the fifth went up a gear and Dubois had no answer.
10:38 PM BST
USYK WINS IN FIVE
Dubois is trying his luck with the right hand, Usyk, however, takes this particular hit well on the gloves. The Ukrainian then lands a great left-right combination. The Briton goes on the attack BUT walks into a great right and he falls to the canvas...he makes the count. BUT it’s only for a moment as Usyk then ends the fight with a fine left that Dubois more than feels, knocking his gumshield out in the process, and that is it...What a great performance and statement from the modern-day (and all-time) great.
10:35 PM BST
ROUND 4: Usyk picking his punches
Dubois is doing OK, but he needs to land more jabs and impose himself more. Easier typed than done, Usyk isn’t allowing the Briton to land the jab. The Ukrainian is having a lot of joy with the left hand and he throws another good one that lands well. Dubois goes on the attack but doesn’t really land anything. The Ukrainian is picking his punches and a left hook nearly lands cleanly.
Usyk 10-9
10:31 PM BST
ROUND 3: Better from Dubois
Dubois comes out positively and pushes Usyk back, that is what he needs to do, use his size and ask questions of the Ukrainian. Usyk is still light on his feet and still looks calm and in control. The Briton is landing a few shots, and as I type that he lands a big right. BUT Usyk responds with a big left. The Ukrainian is showing great timing, but that was better from Dubois.
Usyk 10-9
10:27 PM BST
ROUND 2: Champion again on top
Usyk made a statement of intent in that opening round, what will he serve up in the second? Again the Ukrainian is working hard and controlling the bout. He looks crisp and sharp. Dubois attacks, that’s what he needs to do, even if he doesn’t land the punches, he needs to ask questions of the champion. His jab hasn’t got going, however, the lead hand of Usyk is dominating. Usyk then lands a big left and Dubois is wobbling...
Usyk 10-9
10:23 PM BST
ROUND 1: Good start from Usyk
And they’re off. Early on Dubois controls the centre of the ring, whatever he does tonight he cannot afford any half measures. Usyk is, however, beating the Briton to the jab, not a good sign. Good footwork from the Ukrainian, who has started well. Dubois then comes forward and gets in a couple of shots. But Usyk connects with a left and then a body shot. He follows up with another great shot...ominous signs for Dubois.
Usyk 10-9
10:16 PM BST
The opening bell is moments away
Are we about to see a shock?
Here goes...
10:14 PM BST
Usyk looks chilling
Not one blink and not one bead of sweat on the Ukrainian. ‘Focused’ is the word.
10:12 PM BST
Usyk is now out
The Ukrainian has fewer fireworks (well, none in fact), it’s more understated entrance than Dubois’s. Not sure what the music is, I am, I admit, not overly au fait with Ukrainian tunes. Whatever it is a bit too haunting for my taste.
10:08 PM BST
After the national anthems...
...It’s Daniel Dubois to come out first. He walks out to a fair few pyrotechnics, and some fire circles that wouldn’t look out of place at some full-moon party in Thailand (though I reckon there is minimal crossover from the people who go to those and those at a world-title fight...). The Briton looks calm and focused as I Found Lovin’ by The Fatback Band plays (decent tune that...he should win the song battle at the very least...)
10:01 PM BST
It’s ring walk time
And as sure as night follows day, it’s Michael Buffer (last seen before Chelsea beating PSG, of all sporting occasions...) to introduce the boxers.
Let’s get readyyyyyyyyyy to RUMBLE!
09:54 PM BST
Nearly time for the big fight
Can Dubois shock the undisputed champion? He’s certainly got punch power, greater punch power than Usyk. Can he land that single shot that could hurt the Ukrainian? We’re about to find out...
09:50 PM BST
Fury remains all fun and games
Turki Al-Sheikh also told me tonight that the British boxing fans “are the best”. Jake Paul wants to fight at Wembley Stadium, he told me, too. Tyson Fury is also here tonight. I was MC-ing him at a GoldStar Fan Festival on stage, and he jokingly told us that he would “put $1 million dollars on Jake Paul KO-ing AJ”. Typical Fury. All fun and games...I haven’t seen Anthony Joshua here tonight...
09:49 PM BST
Okolie wins by unanimous decision
That was never in doubt. Will the Briton one day become world heavyweight champion? He will get a chance.
I’m working with Dave Allen next to me on commentary, and he gave Okolie eight out of 10. It was a shutout for me, but we can’t expect beauty from Okolie. I describe him as a ‘smash and grab’ fighter. That right hand is like a burglar with a brick in his right hand. Very effective. Very basic. Big, powerful man and fighter. I concurred with the judges 100-90. Landslide 10 rounds. I’d like to see him fight Agit Kabayel.
09:46 PM BST
ROUND 10: Okolie (surely) has strolled to victory
Surely Lerena has to give it a go now? He hasn’t had one big moment so far. But no, the South African stays stuck in first gear. Okolie has boxed really well tonight and has won this with ease.
Okolie 10-9
09:43 PM BST
ROUND 9: No big finish (yet)
Okolie has had it easy so far, perhaps now he’ll inject a bit more intensity and see if he can find the knockout...is a big finish coming up? Well, in as much as Lerena hasn’t got going, Okolie hasn’t gone into fifth gear.. I say Lerena hasn’t got going, that is until he connects with a good right hand. No big finish in that, the penultimate, round.
Okolie 10-9
09:38 PM BST
ROUND 8: Briton using body shot well (once again)
The body shot has worked well for Okolie today, and once again he uses it to good effect in this eighth round.
Okolie 10-9
09:35 PM BST
ROUND 7: Okolie strolling to victory (as it stands)...
Okolie is still dictating the pace and it’s been too comfortable for the home hope. He’s boxing well, this is a good decent heavyweight fight for him. This bout is going at walking pace at the moment and the Briton is strolling to victory.
Okolie 10-9
09:30 PM BST
ROUND 6: Better from Lerena
Yet another good right hand from Okolie. Lerena isn’t at the races at the moment, he’s not troubled the Briton. But, having said that, he’s not been in too much trouble either, though he’s not winning the rounds. A good left hand from Lerena, he needs to throw more of those. Better from the South African.
Okolie 10-9
09:27 PM BST
ROUND 5: More of the same from the Briton
Okolie’s physicality as much as his boxing nous is winning him these rounds.
Okolie 10-9
09:25 PM BST
‘Big changes coming in boxing’
Just being doing my round-the-ring interviews, spoke with Jake Paul, Turki Al-Sheikh, Gordon Ramsay and one of my all-time heroes Chrissie Hynde... yes, Chrissie Hynde. Chrissie is a boxing fan AND reads The Telegraph. Have to admit I’m not often starstruck, but I was...
Turki told me that Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua is a possibility - as did Paul incidentally - the Saudi minister adding that he wants to eradicate pay-per-view from boxing, and that big inventive changes are coming. It has been ever thus since his interest in the sport..
09:22 PM BST
ROUND 4: No worries for Okolie
Still few problems for Okolie who is well in control of this bout.
Okolie 10-9
09:18 PM BST
ROUND 3: Okolie doing what he needs to
Okolie is still looking sharp and is in control, this, so far, is a nice disciplined display from the Briton. Lerena’s corner had a go at him for not moving well enough and still the South African is a bit flat-footed. Okolie is getting in a few body shots and he is boxing well.
Okolie 10-9
09:14 PM BST
ROUND 2: Briton still on top
Lerena cannot stand off Okolie and needs to move well and get inside the long jab. He didn’t move well in the first round, but looks better this round. A left hand from the South African hurts Okolie. But the Briton responds well with a right hand through the middle. The Briton then gets in a good body shot with Lerena still a bit too flat-footed. Another good round from Okolie.
Okolie 10-9
09:10 PM BST
ROUND 1: Good start from Okolie
There are 31 knockouts between this pair, both back themselves with their punching power. Okolie gets his jab out early and has started well. Cagey opening from both, but the Briton has looked the better in the early exchanges.
Okolie 10-9
09:05 PM BST
Both boxers are in the ring
And the penultimate bout is about to get under way.
08:58 PM BST
Time for Lawrence Okolie
Who is facing Kevin Lerana at heavyweight. The South African fancies his chances against the Briton, and says he could finish the fight early on...we shall see.
08:51 PM BST
No love for Jake Paul
Jake Paul receives the loudest chorus of boos so far among the celebrities to have had their arrivals beamed onto the big screen inside Wembley Stadium.
08:47 PM BST
Lapin wins by majority decision
One judge scored it 95-95, the other two scored it 96-94 to the Ukrainian. Lewis Edmondson has lost for the first time but can be very proud of his performance.
08:42 PM BST
Both boxers think they’ve won
Edmondson looks the happier of the two...
08:38 PM BST
Better from Lapin
The Ukrainian favourite has responded well to being hurt in the last round. Edmondson looks tired and Lapin is on the offensive throwing combinations and hurting the Briton. One round to go...
08:32 PM BST
Heading into the business end of this fight
It’s been a scrappy affair, cat-and-mouse, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who the judges will go for. Lapin has got better the longer the fight has gone on for. And as I type that Edmondson is on the attack and Lapin ends up balancing at 90 degrees on top of the ropes. The Ukrainian then initmates his right hand is hurting, he doesn’t look good out there.
08:25 PM BST
Famous faces in the crowd
A former heavyweight champion in Frank Bruno is there.
And a heavyweight chef is also at Wembley...
08:18 PM BST
No sooner had I pressed ‘send’ on that last post...
...than Dubois is seen calmly arriving at the famous stadium. Stop the search party!
08:17 PM BST
Where is Daniel Dubois?
Commentators in the Lapin and Edmondson bout haven’t see the home hope arrive at Wembley. Is he cutting it fine? Ring walks are due in 90 minutes...
08:16 PM BST
In the ring at the moment Daniel Lapin vs Lewis Edmondson
Are Daniel Lapin and Lewis Edmondson in a light-heavyweight clash. Neither boxer yet to take control of this, the Briton, Edmondson, is looking the more proactive at the moment. Were he to win it would be another upset over a fancied Ukrainian. Six rounds to go.
07:56 PM BST
Boxing in one photo
07:48 PM BST
Dacres wins by unanimous decision
That was some performance from the Briton, Sirenko was favoured coming into the bout but from the opening bell Dacres was on top and deservedly wins. The Ukrainian has experienced defeat for the first time in his career and it wasn’t even a close bout.
07:42 PM BST
One round to come
And it’s still looking good for Dacres. This was billed as an audition to make the ‘top table’ of the heavyweight division.
07:27 PM BST
Six rounds in now and...
...Dacres is still doing well against the fancied Sirenko. The Ukrainian is so one-paced at the moment, while the Briton is boxing nicely and to a plan.
07:18 PM BST
Usyk has entered the stadium
His entrance is on the big screen and there’s a roar when the crowd notice. The Ukrainian had the backing of the spectators during the weigh-in, will he have the backing of the crowd tonight as well? You’d think not, but stranger things have happened...
07:15 PM BST
Two rounds in
And Solomon Dacres has started well against the favoured Vladyslav Sirenko. The Briton is hurting the Ukrainian with some decent heavy combinations.
07:06 PM BST
Now time for...
...Vladyslav Sirenko vs Solomon Dacres in the Heavyweight bout.
06:49 PM BST
Okolie getting ready
Ahead of his fight against Kevin Lerena, Lawrence Okolie is having a feel of the ring between fights with trainer Joe Gallagher.
06:40 PM BST
Aadam Hamed wins
It was a four-round bout and Prince Naz’s son dominated them all and it was no shock to see him win on points.
He’s now 6-0 in his pro career.
06:35 PM BST
Prince Naseem is watching his son
View from my ringside seat at Wembley Stadium ... young Aadam Hamed boxing Ezequiel Gregores with father Prince Naz Hamed watching next to @FrankWarren#UsykDubois2pic.twitter.com/xY6nWB3KDW
— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) July 19, 2025
06:34 PM BST
The rain has arrived at Wembley
It was forecast...
06:22 PM BST
Now time for Aadam Hamed vs Ezequiel Gregores
That’s the son of Prince Naseem Hamed (and, yes, he’s a showman like his dad) in the ring against the journeyman Argentinian in the Super-Lightweight bout.
Hamed is unbeaten in his five fights and expected to win this.
06:11 PM BST
Lasha Guruli wins the first bout
He was on another level to James Francis and won by a technical knockout. The Georgian is definitely one to look out for in the Super Lightweight division.
05:48 PM BST
Main fight and undercard timings
5.45: Lasha Guruli vs James Francis
6.05: Aadam Hamed vs Ezequiel Gregores
6.50: Vladyslav Sirenko vs Solomon Dacres
7.45: Daniel Lapin vs Lewis Edmondson
8.40: Lawrence Okolie vs Kevin Lerena
9.45: Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois
05:14 PM BST
Daniel Dubois out to emulate Lennox Lewis
Daniel Dubois is feeling confident as he seeks to become the first Briton since Lennox Lewis to be undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
The 27-year-old has won all three fights since losing to tonight’s opponent Oleksandr Usyk two years ago, the most recent of which was a knockout of Anthony Joshua last September. And that’s given him the belief he can beat the Ukrainian all-time great at Wembley this evening.
“Right now I just want to get it on,” Dubois said.
“I’m going to write my own script. They’ve got their script and I’ll write my own. I’m going to win these belts and I’m going to be the man.”
The last time a Briton held all the belts was back in 1999 when Lewis reigned supreme and it will take some performance for that to change tonight. Usyk goes into the bout as the favourite and, despite his age, it’s not hard to see why. The Ukrainian is yet to taste defeat in 23 fights and has fond memories of London, where he won Olympic gold in 2012 and been victorious in three bouts since.
There has, however, been talk of his advancing years, but Usyk dealt the idea that that might affect him a right hook.
“I respect this young guy,” the 38-year-old said.
“He [Dubois] is motivated but I am too. I am not an old guy – 38 is not old. We will see.”
“It’s a great opportunity for my people and my country. See you tomorrow,” said 38-year-old Usyk, who holds the WBA (Super), WBC and WBO belts.
The undefeated Ukrainian claimed a ninth-round win over Dubois, who has 22 wins in 24 fights as a professional, when they met in August 2023.
Stay here for all the big-fight build-up, with undercard results ahead of the main event which is set to get under way at 9.45.
Category: General Sports
