Is Daniel Dubois Retiring After His Loss to Oleksandr Usyk?

Daniel Dubois suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to Oleksandr Usyk on July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium triggered a wave of speculation across the boxing world. Some questioned whether this latest setback marked the end of his professional career—but as of now, Dubois is not retiring.

A Tough Night Against Usyk

Dubois entered the ring as the IBF heavyweight champion but struggled to deal with Usyk’s speed and precision. In Round 5, a powerful sequence from Usyk left Dubois stunned, prompting his corner to throw in the towel. Critics like Tony Bellew and Derek Chisora accused Dubois of giving up under pressure. Chisora even claimed the 27-year-old “quit,” reigniting a long-standing debate about Dubois’ fighting spirit.

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Support From Tyson Fury and Frank Warren

While some former fighters criticized Dubois, WBC champion Tyson Fury offered a different perspective. He called the negative comments “jealous” and invited Dubois to train with him in Morecambe. Promoter Frank Warren also defended the decision to stop the fight, saying Dubois took too much punishment and needed time to recover. Warren confirmed that Dubois would take a six-month break before returning to action, aiming for a comeback in early 2026.

Dubois Says He’s “Not Done”

Shortly after the fight, Dubois addressed the rumors in a brief statement, stating, “I’m not done.” His trainer, Don Charles, also clarified that the decision to stop the fight was made to protect Dubois’ long-term health, not because of any lack of heart. At 27 years old, Dubois still has time to develop and potentially return stronger.

What Comes Next?

Dubois is expected to remain out of competition until at least January 2026. During this break, he plans to reflect on his performance and rebuild both physically and mentally. Despite the criticism, there’s no official word of retirement—only a pause.