Daniel Dubois received a major shock in the heavyweight rankings after his loss to Usyk!

Daniel Dubois has once again found himself in the harsh spotlight of the boxing world following his crushing defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch on July 19. The bout, held in front of a roaring crowd of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, ended in a fifth-round knockout, with Usyk dropping Dubois twice and successfully defending his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

As a direct result of this loss, The Ring Magazine has released its updated heavyweight rankings, revealing that Dubois has fallen from No.2 to No.5, a significant blow to a boxer who had only recently clawed his way back into title contention.

Usyk’s Masterclass at Wembley

The highly anticipated rematch between Usyk and Dubois was a chance for the British heavyweight to rewrite the narrative of their first encounter. However, what unfolded was another demonstration of Usyk’s unmatched skill set, ring IQ, and relentless pressure. The Ukrainian champion displayed a mix of technical brilliance and devastating power, overwhelming Dubois and securing a second consecutive win against the Brit.

Usyk’s performance reinforced his place at the top of the heavyweight division, where he now holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO titles, making him the undisputed champion once more.

Dubois’ Ranking Takes a Hit

The consequences of Dubois’ defeat were swift. Once ranked No.2 by The Ring Magazine, Dubois now finds himself at No.5. His professional record now stands at 22 wins and 3 losses, with defeats to Joe Joyce (2020), Usyk (2023), and now Usyk again (2025).

This recent setback comes at a crucial time in Dubois’ career. Once viewed as one of Britain’s brightest heavyweight hopes, the 26-year-old will now need to recalibrate and consider his next steps carefully to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive division.

Reactions and Analysis: Is Dubois Finished at the Top?

Following the defeat, boxing analysts and former fighters weighed in on Dubois’ current trajectory. Some suggest that the Briton’s chin and resilience under pressure remain areas of concern, while others argue that at only 26, he still has time to bounce back.

Dubois himself has not made a definitive statement about his future, but sources close to his camp suggest he’ll take some time off to assess his health and rebuild before pursuing another top-10 contender.

While falling in the rankings is certainly a disappointment, it may also ease some pressure and give Dubois a chance to work on his fundamentals away from the spotlight.

Movers in the Heavyweight Division

Dubois’ fall made room for a few notable risers. Most significantly, Joseph Parker, the interim WBO heavyweight champion, surged into the No.2 spot after a string of impressive performances. Parker, once thought to be past his prime, has experienced a career resurgence and now stands as one of the most likely contenders to face Usyk next.

Another rising name is Agit Kabayel, who captured the WBC interim title earlier this year. His technical prowess and undefeated record have earned him a spot at No.3, putting him firmly in the conversation for a future title shot.

Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua, now 35, continues to inch upward as well. Despite his age, his recent victories and veteran experience keep him a relevant and dangerous name at No.4.

Fury Teases a Comeback, Again

While Tyson Fury remains ranked No.2, speculation about a potential trilogy fight with Usyk continues to build. Fury, who had previously announced his retirement (again), shared a cryptic Instagram post hinting at a potential rematch with Usyk in 2026.

Although nothing is confirmed, fans and pundits alike are hopeful. A third fight between the two giants could become one of the sport’s most lucrative and historic bouts.

However, with Fury’s unpredictability, it’s unclear whether he’ll truly step back into the ring or if he’s merely fueling speculation for attention.

Can Anyone Beat Usyk?

That is the burning question in boxing today. With victories over Fury twice, Joshua twice, Dubois twice, and Derek Chisora, Oleksandr Usyk has built a nearly untouchable résumé. At 38 years old, his dominance shows no signs of slowing.

Former boxer Spencer Oliver recently spoke on talkSPORT Boxing, stating:

“Is there anyone that can stop him right now? I don’t think there is. I think that he showed that [on July 19]. He’s a three-time undisputed world champion, two-time heavyweight undisputed world champion. Look at who he’s beat—Fury, Joshua, Dubois, Chisora. Who is going to beat him?”

Oliver believes the next deserving opponent is Joseph Parker, but acknowledges that Usyk appears unbeatable for now.

What’s Next for Daniel Dubois?

After a second defeat to the same opponent and a slide in the rankings, Dubois faces a critical decision in his career. At just 26 years old, time is still on his side, but the competition at heavyweight is only getting tougher.

His management team may look for a rebuilding fight later in the year, potentially targeting lower-ranked fighters such as Efe Ajagba or Zhilei Zhang. A victory there could restore some confidence and momentum.

But the road back to title contention will not be easy. He’ll need to fix the defensive lapses that cost him dearly against Joyce and Usyk and possibly switch camps or take on a new trainer to refresh his approach.

Current Ring Magazine Top 10 Heavyweights (Post-Usyk vs. Dubois)

1. Oleksandr Usyk – Undisputed Champion

2. Tyson Fury

3. Joseph Parker

4. Agit Kabayel

5. Anthony Joshua

6. Daniel Dubois

7. Filip Hrgovic

8. Fabio Wardley

9. Zhilei Zhang

10. Martin Bakole

11. Efe Ajagba

Conclusion: A Pivotal Time for Heavyweights

The heavyweight division is at one of its most dynamic moments in recent history. With Usyk reigning supreme, young talents rising, and veterans still in the mix, the next 12 to 18 months could shape the division for years to come.

For Daniel Dubois, the recent loss is painful but not career-ending. Whether he fades into obscurity or claws his way back depends entirely on how he responds to this adversity.

One thing is certain—the clock is ticking, and the heavyweight world waits for his next move.