By Myrek Zastavnyi
As a sports journalist from the United States, I’ve witnessed a lot over the years — glorious triumphs, devastating losses. But what I saw on July 19th at Wembley Stadium deserves its own chapter in boxing history. Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian whom we in the States have long respected and feared, delivered a masterful performance in his rematch against Britain’s Daniel Dubois. And he did it his way — with surgical precision, unshakable composure, and a knockout in the fifth round.
A Wembley Night Painted in Yellow and Blue
I’ve never seen Wembley look as yellow and blue as it did that night. Standing among British fans, I kept hearing “Slava Ukraini!” and “Usyk!” echoing throughout the stands. That night, London applauded Ukraine. Usyk entered the ring not just as a boxer — he entered as the symbol of an unbreakable nation.
Let’s be honest: American audiences are used to flashy shows, trash talk, and behind-the-scenes drama. But Usyk is different — humble yet confident. He doesn’t play verbal games. He fights — and he wins.
How It Started and Why This Rematch Mattered
This rematch wasn’t just another fight — it was meant to settle the controversy. Their first bout in Wroclaw in 2023 left a bitter aftertaste. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a shot that sent Usyk to the canvas. The referee ruled it a low blow, but the British camp screamed it was a clean hit. Even American analysts were divided — some thought Usyk was faking it, others saw a clear foul.
That’s why this rematch had the world’s attention — in Ukraine, the UK, and certainly here in the US. We like clarity: if you’re the best — prove it again. And Usyk did exactly that.
Usyk’s Mastery: Boxing as an Art Form
From the first seconds, it was clear Usyk came to work, not to dance. He didn’t fall for provocations, didn’t play the aggression card that American fans love in fighters like Deontay Wilder. Instead, he methodically dismantled Dubois, forcing him into mistakes.
In the third round, Dubois managed a few clean hits to Usyk’s head. I even heard someone in the stands say, “Looks like we’ve got a fight!” But no — Usyk was always in control.
Then came the fourth round — another low blow from Dubois. His second one against Usyk! In the US, a referee might have disqualified him for that, but the fight went on.
And then came the fifth round. First knockdown, then a second. Silence from the British crowd, a roar from the Ukrainians, and I… simply tipped my hat. It was a masterclass.
Usyk — The Undisputed Champion and an Example to All
With this victory, Usyk reclaimed the IBF belt and became the undisputed heavyweight champion for the third time. In the US, that’s huge. We love numbers, records, stats — and being a three-time undisputed champ? That puts Usyk in a league of his own.
More than that, Usyk showed himself not just as an athlete, but as a man of character. His gratitude to Ukraine’s defenders, his thanks to God, his genuine smile — all of it struck a chord even with Americans who sometimes see fighters as mere showmen.
What’s Next?
Usyk said that 38 is still young — meaning we’ll see him in the ring again. Will it be a rematch with Fury? Or maybe one of the rising American heavyweights? We’ll find out soon enough. But one thing is clear — Usyk hasn’t said his last word in boxing.
Usyk is now a global story. From Ukraine — but for the entire boxing world. And every American who loves honest, skillful boxing owes it to themselves to watch this fight.
