Picture Credit: Twitter
Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk took down his British rival Daniel Dubois in nine rounds to retain his WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight boxing titles. The Ukrainian who was fighting after more than a year dedicated the win to his country and Ukraine’s Army. However, his win on Saturday at Poland's open-air Tarczynski Arena, August 26, was overshadowed by a low-blow controversy.
The fight between Usyk and Dubois was halted in the fifth round when referee Luis Pabon ruled a low blow by Dubois. It gave time to the Usyk to relax, while the round was eventually continuing. Meanwhile, the British boxer said that the blow was legal, and after his defeat said that he was cheated.
Meanwhile, Usyk, who remained unbeaten after 21-0 after his second defense of the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, dedicated his win to the soldiers of the Ukraine Army. After the win, he said, he was “grateful for my country and for Ukrainian army”.
On the other hand, Dubois, whose win-loss record dropped to 19-2 said, “I have been cheated out of victory tonight.” Not only this, but his promoter Frank Warren also agreed with him and called for a rematch. He said, "That referee got it badly wrong. If it's a low blow why didn't he take points off him. I like Usyk but that was a hometown decision, a complete hometown decision. He won that fight.”
