Usyk Stops DuBois in 9; Defends Unified Heavyweight Titles

Oleksandr Usyk defended the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight titles with a ninth round stoppage over Daniel DuBois in Wroclaw, Poland.

The fight was tactical early with both guys holding back a little. In round five, DuBois landed a right hand on the belt that sent Usyk to the canvas. Referee Luis Pabon ruled that the fight was below the belt and gave Usyk several (extra) minutes to recuperate.

That proved to be pivotal as it allowed Usyk to regroup and begin to dominate at the fight. In round eight, Usyk floored DuBois with a combination to the head. Usyk had total control of the bout, and then landed a short right hook to the head that put DuBois down for a second time. Dubois looked at Pabon as he counted to 10 and the bout was over.

Usyk of Ukraine is now 21-0 with 14 knockouts. DuBois of England is 19-2.