Daniel Dubois has offered a unique take on the manner in which Oleksandr Usyk, his former opponent, secured an 11th-round stoppage victory over Rico Verhoeven.
The Ukrainian successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title last week, only for his victory to be placed under the microscope after referee Mark Lyson called a controversial halt.
For starters, many suspected that the stoppage came too soon, with Verhoeven having risen to his feet after enduring a heavy knockdown in round 11.
The former kickboxer had given a tremendous account of himself, exceeding the vast majority of expectations, but was ultimately waved off after the bell to end round 11 had sounded.
In fairness, it appeared the referee had already made his mind up, and was well within his rights to stop their contest at that moment.
But the nature of his decision has nonetheless been met with backlash, as many have argued that Verhoeven should have been given the opportunity to go out on his shield.
Knowing exactly what it feels like to be on the verge of an Usyk stoppage, though, Dubois has told Boxing King Media that he has no issue with the outcome.
“It was good. I think Usyk did what he needed to do. It was a good victory. I think [the stoppage] was right.”
Later, speaking to TalkSPORT, the Brit was asked if he feels the performance showed that his former rival is past his peak.
“Maybe. I think so. He looked like he was struggling a bit. But he got the win.”
Dubois was first stopped by Usyk in 2023, via a ninth-round finish, while their rematch in July 2025 ended in a more emphatic fifth-round knockout.
Since then, Dubois has gone on to dethrone Fabio Wardley, with their brutal encounter last month seeing him secure a 11th-round stoppage to claim the WBO heavyweight title.
