Did Oleksandr Usyk Win Over an Unprepared Daniel Dubois?

Oleksandr Usyk once again stands atop the heavyweight division after dispatching Daniel Dubois in five rounds at Wembley Stadium. With the win, Usyk regained the IBF title and successfully retained his WBO, WBA and WBC belts, becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

But as the dust settled on Saturday night's decisive outcome, questions have emerged not about Usyk's clinical display, but about Dubois' pre-fight preparation. A video surfaced shortly after the bout, allegedly showing Dubois hosting a gathering at his London residence just hours before entering the ring.

The incident has prompted speculation over whether Usyk beat a prepared challenger or a distracted opponent.

Dubois' Camp Responds to Party Claims

Dubois' trainer, Don Charles, refuted the term 'party', instead describing the event as a "gathering". He defended the decision, noting the same ritual was followed prior to Dubois' shock win over Anthony Joshua in 2024.

'The same gathering was used as the prep on fight day for the AJ fight, the day he won', Charles told the media. He acknowledged there may have been more attendees this time, but dismissed suggestions that it negatively impacted Dubois' performance, saying', I thought he was in the right frame of mind'.

The trainer also confirmed that Dubois arrived at Wembley around 90 minutes before the ring walk, short by typical standards, but insisted it was enough. 'I had 90 minutes to prepare him... I didn't see a fighter unsettled'.

Despite his stance, Charles said an internal inquest involving promoter Frank Warren and his team would examine the pre-fight events more closely.

Performance or Preparation?

Usyk, who had previously beaten Dubois in 2023, showed little sympathy in victory. He floored the Briton twice in the fifth round before the referee waved it off, just as Dubois' corner threw in the towel.

The Ukrainian champion offered few words post-fight, simply stating, 'It's a sport'. Observers noted his notably cold demeanour in the aftermath.

Dubois' team, however, has pushed back against claims of underperformance. Charles stated, 'We were operating at 25 per cent capacity, and that is something to do with the legendary great in front of us'. He added that Usyk's skill, rather than any internal missteps, was the determining factor.

Still, speculation remains. Some reports alleged members of Dubois' entourage were refused entry to Wembley, contributing to his late arrival. Others claimed Dubois took a short drive during the gathering, allegedly to clear his head. Charles dismissed that as standard behaviour.

What's Next for Usyk and Dubois?

While Dubois' future must now be reassessed, Usyk faces a different challenge: navigating a crowded title defence schedule. Having regained the IBF belt that he lost outside the ring, the Ukrainian now must contend with multiple mandatory challengers, including New Zealand's Joseph Parker, who sits at the top of the WBO rankings.

For Dubois, 27, the path to redemption is less clear. Despite Charles' assurances that his fighter 'went out on his sword', the loss was his third high-profile stoppage. His team will need to plan carefully if he is to rebuild momentum in a heavyweight division with no easy routes back to a title shot.

As for Usyk, his clinical dismantling of Dubois, regardless of circumstances, reaffirms his place at the top of the heavyweight ladder. Whether his next bout takes him back home to Ukraine or into another unification scenario, Usyk has once again proven he remains one of boxing's most formidable technicians.