Dubois was the beneficiary of this move by the IBF, picking up the interim title with a June 2024 stoppage of Filip Hrgovic and then being elevated to full champion after Usyk was stripped. Dubois then defended his title with a spectacular knockout of Anthony Joshua in Wembley Stadium.

However, Usyk came out fast and landed three sharp jabs that snapped back the head of Dubois. From then on, the now two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler was in control, mesmerising his young opponent with his footwork and feints and picking him off with well-timed shots. He finished proceedings in the fifth with two knockdowns.