Online Reporter
OLEKSANDR USYK only needed five rounds to knock Daniel Dubois out and become undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time.
The 38-year-old Ukraine legend and London 2012 golden boy needed nine rounds to make the 27-year-old surrender two years ago.
But on Dubois’ home turf he halved his shift time and demolished his chin and spirit in five.
After a close fight that Usyk was dominating, it was a right hand that dropped Dubois first.
However, the Brit bravely climbed off the canvas on eight.
But when a missile of a left hook handed seconds later, Dubois was never going to beat the count or the genius who reclaimed the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF belts once again.
And that was his four-belt hat-trick – after he cleared out the cruiserweight division in his first pro run – to cement his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Essex-based Dubois gave his fans a fright when he didn’t arrive at Wembley until around 90 minutes before the opening bell.
It was a worrying reminder of the scandalous 60 minutes Anthony Joshua gave himself when he was blown away by Dynamite Dan last September in the same ring.
He did arrive just in time to see the VIPs take their ringside seats, as Gordan Ramsey, Frank Bruno, Jason Statham and YouTube boxer Jake Paul filled the front rows.
And by 9.15pm the Londoner was strapping on his dangerous 10oz black leather gloves and shorts – paying homage to Mike Tyson – and preparing to be the new baddest man on the planet.
Usyk covered his head with a grey hood, like a mysterious James Bond villain and was roundly booed when his moustached face popped up on the giant screen.
Despite a dismal undercard, the home of football was packed to the rafters and God Save the King was roared out by the crowd. And Dubois made his ring walk with a Union Jack flag held over his shoulder by a member of his team.
There were fireworks and flame throwers when he emerged from the dressing room and the roar of a lion boomed over the tannoy.
Dubois’ 12-year-old little brother Solomon carried his bright red IBF belt to the ring, despite it being well past his bedtime. It unraveled for Dubois when he was cracked with a right hand close to the back of his head.
DDD stumbled backwards and took a knee to recover and – to his credit – jumped up on eight desperate to continue. He looked to his dad in the corner and bit down on his gumshield after gasping for air and inspiration.
But it wasn’t to come. Usyk switched hands and scythed him down with a sickening straight left. Dubois collapsed again and was never beating the count.
Usyk said afterwards: “The victory is for my people. 38 is only a young number. 38 is a young guy.” -Sun
