Usyk Defends Titles Amid Dubois Low-Blow Controversy
Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles against British challenger Daniel Dubois in a fight overshadowed by a contentious low-blow ruling. The Ukrainian champion secured a ninth-round stoppage, but not before a disputed fifth-round incident left fans and pundits divided.
The Controversial Moment
In the fifth round, Dubois landed a body shot that sent Usyk to the canvas in visible pain. The referee, however, ruled it a low blow, granting Usyk nearly four minutes to recover. Replays suggested the punch may have been borderline, sparking immediate debate.
"That was a clean shot to the belt line," argued Dubois' promoter Frank Warren post-fight. "Daniel was robbed of a legitimate knockdown."
Usyk's Dominance Prevails
Despite the controversy, Usyk showcased his technical mastery, systematically breaking down Dubois with precise combinations. The 36-year-old champion dropped Dubois in the eighth round before finishing the fight with a sharp right hand in the ninth.
- Round 5: Dubois' disputed low blow
- Round 8: Usyk scores first knockdown
- Round 9: Referee waves off the fight
What's Next for Both Fighters?
Usyk now eyes an undisputed championship bout with Tyson Fury, while Dubois faces questions about his future at elite level. The British fighter showed moments of promise but ultimately couldn't solve the puzzle of boxing's slickest heavyweight.
Scorecards at stoppage: 78-73, 79-72, 77-74 – all for Usyk.
