Dubois fury as Usyk secures stoppage win after low-blow controversy
Debate raged on deep into Saturday evening at Stadion Wroclaw after Dubois, in his first world title combat, was deemed to have illegally struck Usyk with a low blow that floored the Ukrainian within the fifth spherical.
Given a day trip fairly than counted out, Usyk was allowed to compose himself for a lot of minutes earlier than returning and incomes a TKO victory within the ninth.
Usyk’s pace set him on the trail to victory within the early rounds with Dubois extra hesitant and never capable of blow away his opponent, as so many count on the bigger heavyweights to hunt to do in opposition to the comparatively diminutive 36-year-old.
The Londoner improved within the fourth earlier than his physique shot put Usyk on the canvas. Replays confirmed it land on the waistband of Usyk, an arguably borderline resolution which nonetheless didn’t earn any form of factors deduction for Dubois, as could be typical for an unlawful shot.
After a number of moments on the ground, amid boos from the Wroclaw followers, Usyk earned cheers by clambering again to his ft and ultimately returning to motion.
Dubois relinquished the chance to reap the benefits of his rival’s struggles and Usyk bought again into the combat, whilst additional physique pictures continued to trigger him bother.
A frantic seventh noticed the defending champion regain management and he had Dubois on his knees to finish the eighth earlier than a right-hander to the pinnacle secured the stoppage a spherical later.
“Boxing is tough, but I’m great,” Usyk stated post-fight as he dismissed the controversy. “It’s boxing I love and I respect my opponent. But it’s boxing, it’s not ballet. It’s boxing.”
Dubois’ camp made their fury identified with coach Don Charles bellowing “how is that low!?” as the large display screen confirmed the fifth-round replay. Dubois himself stated: “I didn’t think that was a low blow, I thought it landed and I’ve been cheated out of a victory.”
Promoter Frank Warren declared his intention to attraction and demand a rematch for a “badly wrong” name he labelled a “hometown decision”.
The controversy is about to rumble on and put Usyk’s potential unification battle in opposition to Tyson Fury in danger, regardless of his declaration after his victory that he’s “ready” to face down the WBC champion.