Daniel Dubois Flattened Oleksandr Usyk but Was Left Furious as Controversial Shot Was Ruled Low Blow
In a dramatic showdown at Stadion Wrocław, Poland, on August 26, 2023, Daniel Dubois delivered a moment that sent shockwaves through the boxing world, only to be mired in controversy that continues to spark debate. The highly anticipated heavyweight clash saw Oleksandr Usyk, the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring champion, defend his titles against Dubois, the WBA (Regular) champion. What unfolded was a fight filled with skill, power, and a pivotal moment in the fifth round that left fans, fighters, and pundits divided.
The bout began with Usyk showcasing his trademark finesse. The Ukrainian, renowned for his footwork and technical mastery, controlled the early rounds with precise jabs and lateral movement. Dubois, the younger and heavier fighter, entered as the underdog but carried a reputation for devastating knockout power. Despite Usyk’s dominance, Dubois remained composed, looking for openings to unleash his heavy hands. By the fourth round, the Londoner was finding his rhythm, landing occasional shots that hinted at his potential to shift the fight’s momentum.
The turning point came in the fifth round. Dubois unleashed a thunderous right hand to Usyk’s midsection, sending the champion crashing to the canvas in visible pain. The crowd, heavily partisan with Ukrainian supporters, fell silent as Dubois stood poised for a potential upset. However, referee Luis Pabon swiftly ruled the punch a low blow, granting Usyk up to five minutes to recover. Usyk, grimacing and clutching his midsection, took three minutes and forty-five seconds before resuming. The decision incensed Dubois’ camp, with the fighter later stating, “I didn’t think that was a low blow. I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight.” His promoter, Frank Warren, echoed this sentiment, insisting the punch landed on the beltline and should have been deemed legal.
Replays of the incident remain inconclusive. The punch appeared to land near Usyk’s waistband, a grey area in boxing where the beltline often serves as a subjective boundary for low blows. Usyk’s high shorts may have muddied the waters, but his reaction—doubling over and collapsing—suggested genuine distress. Critics, including boxers Tony Bellew and Liam Smith, supported the referee’s call, with Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk asserting, “The belly button is the line. Anything below that is a low blow.” Yet, Dubois and his team, including trainer Don Charles, maintained the shot was legitimate, with Charles later accusing Usyk of “conning the referee” and deserving an Oscar for his performance.
The controversy overshadowed Dubois’ valiant effort. After the fight resumed, Usyk regained control, using his superior boxing IQ to wear down his opponent. In the eighth round, Usyk dropped Dubois to a knee, and in the ninth, a crisp right hand sent the Briton down again, unable to beat the count. Usyk retained his titles via a ninth-round knockout, landing 88 of 359 punches (24.5%) compared to Dubois’ 47 of 290 (16.2%), according to CompuBox stats. Despite the loss, Dubois’ power had momentarily threatened to upend one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats.
The fallout was immediate. Warren announced plans to appeal to the WBA, seeking a no-contest ruling or a rematch, but the appeal was denied. The decision fueled Dubois’ resolve, setting the stage for a rematch scheduled for July 19, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. Since the 2023 defeat, Dubois has been on a tear, securing stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua, earning the IBF heavyweight title. His recent performances showcase a matured fighter, blending raw power with newfound resilience.
Usyk, meanwhile, solidified his legacy by defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024 to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era since Lennox Lewis in 1999. At 38, questions linger about whether age might slow the Ukrainian, but his camp remains confident, dismissing Dubois’ claims of a legal shot. The rematch promises to settle old scores, with Dubois vowing to “put the controversy to rest” and Usyk aiming to cement his status as a two-time undisputed champion.
As the boxing world awaits their second clash, the fifth-round incident remains a polarizing topic. Was it a low blow or a robbed victory? The debate rages on, but one thing is certain: Dubois’ punch, whether legal or not, has etched itself into heavyweight history, setting the stage for a blockbuster rematch that could redefine both fighters’ legacies.
