Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Daniel Dubois remains somewhat controversial even 18 months after the fight ended.
Dubois went into the world heavyweight contest in August 2023 after wins over low-ranked opponents Kevin Larena and Trevor Bryan. It was a big step up for the Brit who previously lost to Joe Joyce when he made a similar step.
However, big hitter Dubois started well and landed several shots, including one body blow that had Usyk down on the canvas for the first time in his professional career.
Rather than scoring it as a knockdown, the referee ruled the shot to be low and Usyk was given as much time as he needed to recover. He did so and rallied in typical fashion, eventually breaking down ‘DDD’ and stopping his man midway through the 9th round.
Ever since then, Dubois has claimed he was robbed and even unsuccessfully made an appeal to have the result overturned.
Speaking to ESPN, Usyk was asked what he thought about Dubois’ claim and responded in defiant fashion – “it’s bulls**t”.
“It’s bulls**t. Listen, it’s bulls**t. After the fight, him saying it’s not fair, blah blah blah, I stared and thought listen, get out.”
Since their fight, Dubois has been on a fine run with knockout victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua back in September. He is the reigning IBF world champion and is keen for a second shot at Usyk, who is also keen to become a two-time undisputed champion, so that fight could well be next for both men.
