Oleksandr Usyk celebrates victory in his IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Heavyweight titles' fight. Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Oleksandr Usyk has become the first two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, after destroying Daniel Dubois in five rounds at Wembley Stadium. Immediately afterwards, promoter Frank Warren confirmed that Usyk's next opponent will be New Zealand's Joseph Parker, as per the WBO's mandatory stipulations.
There is a fair degree of irony in that outcome, given that Dubois dubiously called in sick for his fight with Parker back in March. The fight was never rescheduled, with Dubois instead heading straight to fight Usyk and leaving Parker to wonder what would happen next.
Dubois certainly got the crowd and attention he wanted in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley, however, he was completely outclassed from the moment the bell rang for round one. Usyk, who now boasts a 24-0 (15 KO) record, went to work early by landing several heavy jabs.
Dubois showed a little bit of life in the third round, but Usyk's dominance didn't take long to return. The Ukrainian unleashed in the fifth round, countering with lethal speed to land a heavy shot that knocked Dubois to the canvas for an eight count. Dubois beat it, but the writing was on the wall.
Usyk finished him off with a perfect left hook, sending Dubois down to wonder just how his dream to become the first British undisputed champion turned into a nightmare so fast.
Afterwards, Usyk claimed he was more interested in resting than thinking about his next opponent, however, he did mention Parker along with several other heavyweights, including the apparently retired Tyson Fury.
Warren was then questioned on the same topic and clarified that Parker was next in line, due to the WBO's apparent guarantee for him to have a title shot.
"I'd like to see the Joe Parker fight," said Warren.
"You know, Joe deserves it, he's on a run himself, similar to what Daniel was on, and that's the fight that's been ordered, so one way or the other it will happen, or Joe will fight for the vacant title."
If it does eventuate, and that's a big 'if' considering the bizarre outcome of the Dubois situation in March, it will stand to be the biggest fight of Parker's career.
Read how the fight unfolded:
