A third career defeat leaves Dubois in a difficult position and requiring another rebuild.

The 27-year-old has not beaten a champion to claim a world title – he won the interim IBF belt and was subsequently elevated to full world champion before making one defence against Joshua.

Following his last defeat by Usyk, Dubois re-emerged with a newfound confidence but this loss will knock him back several steps.

He will have no shortage of options, though, with the likes of interim WBC champion Agit Kabayel, WBA ‘Regular’ champion Kubrat Pulev or even the likes of Deontay Wilder to go after.

Usyk, meanwhile, is the A side in boxing’s glamour division and can take his pick.

“Maybe it’s Tyson Fury. Maybe we have three choices, Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua, maybe Joseph Parker,” Usyk told Dazn.

Fury, 36, announced his retirement from boxing in January after losing twice against the Ukrainian.

But two-time heavyweight champion Fury says he is “the man” to beat Usyk.

“Massive shout out to Usyk – fantastic performance tonight against Dubois,” Fury said on his Instagram.

“It was a good tear up. Congratulations to both men.

“Usyk knows there’s only one man that can beat him. I’ve done it twice before and the world knows it. No matter what anyone wants to say, I won those fights.”

Dubois’ team raised concerns over Usyk’s age during fight week but he looked as good as ever.

As he has done in all previous rematches – against Fury and Joshua – Usyk used the data he had downloaded from the first encounter to his advantage.