BREAKING NEWS: Oleksandr Usyk Has His First Word After Shock WBA Announcement on Daniel Dubois Fight

At 12:20 AM +07 on Sunday, August 3, 2025, the boxing world was jolted by a stunning announcement from the World Boxing Association (WBA) regarding the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, scheduled for July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. The WBA’s unexpected decision to review the outcome of their previous encounter on August 26, 2023, citing potential irregularities, sent shockwaves through the sport. In his first public response since the announcement, Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight icon, broke his silence with a single, powerful word: “Justice.” Delivered via a brief video statement posted on his official X account at 12:10 AM +07, the statement has ignited a firestorm of speculation and debate, with #UsykDubois trending globally as fans and analysts dissect the implications.

The Shocking WBA Announcement

The WBA’s late-night press release, issued at 11:45 PM +07, revealed that an internal investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting the controversial fifth-round low blow ruling in the 2023 fight—where Dubois’ punch was deemed illegal, allowing Usyk a four-minute recovery—may have been mishandled. The statement called for a formal review of the bout’s officiating, hinting at the possibility of overturning the result or imposing sanctions. This move comes amid mounting pressure from Dubois’ camp, who have long claimed the punch was legitimate and that Usyk exploited the ruling to secure his ninth-round knockout victory. The WBA emphasized that no final decision has been made, with a hearing scheduled for August 10, 2025, but the announcement alone has cast a shadow over Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight reign.

The timing is particularly striking, occurring just two weeks after Usyk’s dominant fifth-round knockout of Dubois on July 19, 2025, where he reclaimed the IBF title to become a two-time undisputed champion. The 2023 fight, held in Wrocław, Poland, had already been marred by controversy, with Dubois’ team alleging a “con” by Usyk, a narrative reignited by the WBA’s latest move.

Usyk’s Cryptic Response

Usyk’s one-word response—“Justice”—was accompanied by a 15-second video showing him standing solemnly in a dimly lit room, the Ukrainian flag draped over his shoulders. His expression was unreadable, but the weight of the word resonated with his supporters, who interpreted it as a call for fairness amid the scrutiny. The video ended with Usyk turning away, leaving fans and media hungry for more context. Posts found on X suggest a split reaction: some hail it as a defiant stand against perceived injustice, while others speculate it hints at Usyk’s confidence in clearing his name or even a willingness to face Dubois again under revised terms.

Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, declined to elaborate, stating only, “Oleksandr speaks for himself. We will address this in due time.” The brevity of the response contrasts with the verbosity of past press conferences, where Usyk often shared insights into his discipline-driven mindset, as noted after his July victory.

The Context of the Controversy

The 2023 fight saw Usyk retain his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and The Ring titles against Dubois, the WBA (Regular) champion, in a bout marred by the disputed low blow. Replays showed the punch landing near Usyk’s beltline, with referee Luis Pabon ruling it illegal, granting Usyk time to recover. Usyk then rallied to stop Dubois in the ninth, but the decision left a bitter taste for Dubois’ team, who argued it cost him the fight. Dubois rebounded with wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgović, and Anthony Joshua, earning the IBF title, only to lose it back to Usyk in their July rematch.

The WBA’s review appears to stem from newly surfaced footage analyzed by independent experts, suggesting the punch may have been within legal bounds. This aligns with earlier claims by Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles, who accused Usyk of “conning the referee” during a 2025 press conference. The announcement has reopened old wounds, with some questioning whether the WBA is bowing to pressure from British boxing circles ahead of the August hearing.

Reactions and Speculations

The boxing community is abuzz. Daniel Dubois, reached for comment at 12:15 AM +07, said, “I’ve always known the truth. If the WBA does the right thing, it’s a new day for me.” His promoter, Frank Warren, called the review “long overdue,” hinting at a potential rematch or title reinstatement. Meanwhile, Usyk’s July 19 performance—dropping Dubois twice with precision—has many doubting the WBA’s basis, with analysts like Johnny Nelson suggesting the review might be a “fishing expedition” to appease Dubois’ camp.

Trending on X, sentiments range from support for Usyk’s “Justice” cry to calls for Dubois’ vindication. Some fans speculate the WBA’s move could lead to Usyk losing the IBF title retroactively, forcing a reshuffle with contenders like Joseph Parker or Agit Kabayel. Others see it as a distraction from Usyk’s planned rest, announced post-fight, where he vowed to spend time with family.

What Lies Ahead

The August 10 hearing will be pivotal. If the WBA overturns the 2023 result, Dubois could be declared the winner, though this seems unlikely given the ninth-round finish. More plausibly, sanctions or a mandated rematch could be ordered, though Usyk’s current 24-0 record and physical dominance make a third fight intriguing. The WBA’s credibility is also on the line, as a reversal could fuel match-fixing allegations, a sensitive topic given recent scandals.

For now, Usyk’s “Justice” hangs in the air, a cryptic beacon amid the chaos. As the boxing world awaits the WBA’s verdict, the Ukrainian champion’s legacy—and Dubois’ redemption arc—teeters on the edge of this unprecedented review.