by Oscar Cabrero/ Boxing Contributor
In a thrilling showdown that had boxing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats, Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk showcased his formidable skills by securing a TKO victory over WBA Heavyweight champion Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois. The clash marked Usyk’s second defense of his hard-earned titles, and he did not disappoint the eager crowd. As the battle progressed, it became evident that both fighters were determined to assert their dominance.
In the eighth round, Usyk seized an opportune moment, sending Dubois to the canvas with a well-timed knockdown. The drama escalated in the ninth, as Usyk’s precision once again prevailed with a powerful right jab that found its mark on Dubois’ chin, leading to a pivotal second knockdown. Struggling to rise before the count of ten, Dubois succumbed to defeat, prompting referee Labon to wave off the contest. The judges’ scorecards reflected Usyk’s superior performance, with readings of 117-111, 115-113, and 116-112 in favor of the triumphant champion.
The matchup wasn’t without its twists and turns, as both fighters faced their fair share of challenges. In a surprising turn of events during the fifth round, a punch to Usyk’s belt from Dubois left Usyk reeling momentarily. Referee Luis Pabon granted Usyk the customary five-minute recovery period, a testament to the sporting spirit that underpins the sport. However, Usyk demonstrated his remarkable resilience by bouncing back and taking control of the match once more.
As the final rounds unfolded, it was Usyk’s skill, precision, and calculated strikes that ultimately spelled victory. The attention should now turn to an undisputed heavyweight match with Tyson Fury who is facing former MMA fight Francis Ngannou.