I t is time, then, to assess and mark some of the boundaries of the extraordinary career of undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, after a punch-perfect performance of clever feints, balletic movement, expert timing, exquisite footwork and imperturbable mental strength in the face of power puncher Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on July 19. Hindsight has seen Usyk’s foe heavily critiqued, Dubois’ detractors describing the fighter as febrile and easily broken, and yet it was unquestionably Usyk’s brilliance that nullified and squashed with alacrity the confidence that had grown in Dubois over three powerful victories since their first encounter in August 2023. Usyk broke Dubois in meeting one, certainly, in spite of the “low blow” controversy that also helped set up promotion for the second fight. Yet come the second iteration, Usyk was even better, dismantling an opponent 11 years his junior with more aplomb this time, taking away the ignition fuse of “Dynamite”
AFTER ONCE AGAIN CRUSHING THE NAYSAYERS AND SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS WITH HIS LATEST VICTORY, OLEKSANDR USYK’S EXCELLENCE CAN ONLY BE GAUGED ON A HISTORICAL LEVEL By Gareth A Davies
O LEKSANDR The G REAT
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