Usyk Overcomes Controversial Low Blow To Stop Dubois In The 9th Round
In his first fight back after his repeat win over Anthony Joshua just over a year ago, Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14KO) retained his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles with a 9th round stoppage win over Daniel Dubois (19-2, 18KO) in Wroclaw, Poland. The Ukranian dominated his challenger, although he did escape a scare in the fifth round as he was knocked down by a right hook, which was ruled a low blow by referee Luis Pabon.
However many watching feel the hard shot that sent Usyk immediately to the canvas was legal as it appeared to be on the belt-line.
What the ENTIRE boxing world is talking about right now 🤨#UsykDubois pic.twitter.com/OlTEyhzsee
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) August 26, 2023
Following Usyk being allowed several minutes to recover, Dubois was not able to build any momentum through the remainder of the round or the rounds that followed. In the final moments of the eight round, Usyk landed a flurry of hard shots sending Dubois to the mat, but the bell came before Usyk was able to finish him off.
The first knockdown that set it all up 🍿 pic.twitter.com/LWa53707Ml
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 26, 2023
But the champion came right back at the challenger in the ninth and at just 48 seconds into the round, he landed a short straight right to Dubois’ chin knocking him down once again. Dubois attempted to get back to his feet, but was counted out by Pabon.
WHAT A SHOT TO END THE NIGHT IN POLAND 💥 pic.twitter.com/lR7S5eirmh
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) August 26, 2023
Following the stoppage, Dubois said: “I didn’t think that was a low blow. I thought that landed, and I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight. But, you know, what else can I say?”
"I don't think that was a low blow! I've been cheated out of victory!" – @DynamiteDubois 😤#UsykDubois pic.twitter.com/8Of0yya7Ux
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) August 26, 2023
Usyk remained unbeaten, retained his titles and kept his hopes for an undisputed heavyweight title fight against Tyson Fury alive. Moments after his victory, the unified champ re-iterated wanting to face Fury saying “Next fight I am ready to fight Tyson Fury but does Tyson Fury want to? I have no idea. But I can’t wait to see my children and my family. I’m a little bit tired.”
"I'm ready tomorrow! Next fight with Tyson Fury!" – @usykaa 🏆 🇺🇦#UsykDubois pic.twitter.com/8qXbcaY7mE
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) August 26, 2023
Tyson Fury is facing Francis Ngannou on October 28th in Saudi Arabia, but hopefully after that, the long overdue undisputed heavyweight championship fight between Fury and Usyk can finally get made.