Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBA, WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles in a dramatic showdown against British challenger Daniel Dubois, but the fight was overshadowed by controversy over a disputed low blow.
The Fight Breakdown
Usyk, the Ukrainian champion, controlled much of the fight with his superior technique and footwork. However, in the fifth round, Dubois landed a body shot that was ruled a low blow by the referee, leading to a lengthy recovery period for Usyk.
Dubois and his team argued that the punch was legal, claiming it was on the beltline rather than below. The decision became a major talking point, with fans and analysts split on whether the referee's call was justified.
Usyk’s Dominance Seals the Win
Despite the controversy, Usyk regained momentum and dropped Dubois in the eighth round with a sharp right hand. The British fighter bravely got back up, but a second knockdown in the ninth forced the referee to stop the fight, handing Usyk a decisive victory.
Post-Fight Reactions
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, announced plans to appeal the result, calling the low-blow ruling a "game-changing moment." Meanwhile, Usyk dismissed the controversy, stating, "I followed the rules and won fair and square."
The debate is likely to continue as boxing fans dissect the pivotal moment that could have altered the fight's outcome.
