Oleksandr Usyk defended his heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois in a high-voltage match that took place in Poland. Usyk knocked down Dubois in the eighth and ninth rounds forcing the referee to stop the fight. Some people are of the opinion that Dubois should have won by knockout in the fifth round.
Dubois knocked down Usyk with an alleged borderline low blow. In the aftermath of the fight, the camera angles showed that it was not really a low blow but a body punch. Usyk took several minutes to recover from the shot that the referee called a low blow. Many are clamoring for a rematch as a result.
Dubois discusses the controversy against Usyk
After facing Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois encountered frustration and disappointment due to highly debatable refereeing. Dubois delivered a forceful and accurately aimed punch to Usyk’s waistband area which caused Usyk to drop to the canvas. The referee quickly ruled it a low blow which gave Usyk a substantial amount of time to recover.
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This decision had significant implications for the fight’s outcome and led to widespread disagreement and controversy. Many observers of the match disagreed with the call. Dubois believed that the referee’s decision unjustly prevented him from having a fair chance in the title fight. Daniel promptly expressed his interest in a rematch against Usyk.
Dubois’ manager, Frank Warren openly criticized the decision. He also discussed potential matchups with Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and so on. But the controversy surrounding Dynamite’s fight with Usyk added uncertainty over the future plans of the British heavyweight.
Great sportsmanship shown by Oleksandr Usyk as he offers words of encouragement to Daniel Dubois after getting knocked out in the 9th round.
“It’s boxing, it’s not ballet…You young…You can dream.” pic.twitter.com/ogjcs5InkW
— Chris Majchrzak (@chrismyshack) August 26, 2023
Usyk’s motivational message unable to change the Englishman’s mind
After his victory against Daniel Dubois, Usyk consoled and motivated his defeated opponent. Usyk quickly pointed out that age is on the side of Dubois and he would eventually become champion if he showed poise and calmness.
Many praised Usyk’s empathetic gesture but Dubois was not satisfied. He clearly seems to believe that he was robbed of the titles. If the punch was counted as a; legal blow, then he would probably have become the champion and the first fighter to defeat Oleksandr Usyk in professional boxing.
Dubois knocks out Usyk with a body shot to the bladder but gets called as a low blow… pic.twitter.com/JaIrZ2xC33
— Muliani (@MulianiEnt) August 26, 2023
With the victory, Usyk might face Tyson Fury after the Gypsy King’s bought with Francis Ngannou. Dubois on the other hand might have to wait longer because of all the antics that come with the boxing game. What do you think is next for the heavyweights? Comment below!
