‘Those are my rules’ Oleksandr Usyk accuses Daniel Dubois of mind games over cheating allegations
The boxing world is no stranger to drama, but the upcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium has taken tensions to a new level. With a staggering $203 million purse on the line, the stakes are astronomical, and the psychological warfare has already begun. Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight champion, has accused Dubois and his team of engaging in mind games by reigniting a controversial cheating allegation from their first encounter. The accusation centers on a disputed low blow that Dubois claims was a legitimate punch, a moment that continues to fuel bad blood between the two camps.
In their initial fight, Usyk secured a ninth-round knockout victory, but the bout was marred by controversy. During the fifth round, Dubois landed a punch that sent Usyk to the canvas. The referee, however, ruled it a low blow, granting Usyk recovery time. Dubois and his team have since insisted that the punch was legal, accusing Usyk of exaggerating the impact to gain an advantage. The debate has lingered, with Dubois’ camp repeatedly bringing it up in the lead-up to the rematch. For Usyk, these claims are nothing more than a calculated attempt to unsettle him. In an exclusive interview with talkSPORT, the champion dismissed the allegations as psychological tactics, stating, “Mind games, but I like playing! It’s my rules.”
Usyk’s confidence is palpable. Known for his mental fortitude as much as his technical prowess, the Ukrainian star has faced adversity both in and out of the ring. From navigating the pressures of war in his home country to dominating the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, Usyk has proven he thrives under pressure. His ability to remain composed while facing Dubois’ accusations reflects his unshakable belief in his own abilities. “I don’t care what they say,” Usyk told talkSPORT. “I play by my rules, and I will win by my rules.” His defiance sets the stage for a showdown where mental strength may prove as crucial as physical power.
Dubois, on the other hand, is no pushover. The British challenger has grown into a formidable force since their first meeting. At 28, he is younger, hungrier, and determined to prove that he can dethrone the champion. His team’s decision to revisit the low blow controversy appears to be a deliberate strategy to provoke Usyk and perhaps force a mistake in the ring. Dubois has remained vocal about his belief that he was robbed of a knockout victory in their first fight, and the $203 million rematch represents a chance not only for redemption but also for cementing his legacy in the sport.
The financial stakes add another layer of intensity to this rivalry. A purse of this magnitude is rare in boxing, and both fighters know that a victory could redefine their careers. For Usyk, it’s an opportunity to solidify his status as one of the all-time greats, while for Dubois, it’s a chance to catapult himself into the elite tier of heavyweights. The tension is palpable, with promotional events and press conferences crackling with animosity. Fans are eagerly anticipating a clash that promises both technical brilliance and raw emotion.
Beyond the personal stakes, the rematch carries broader implications for the heavyweight division. With names like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua looming, the winner of this fight could dictate the direction of the sport’s glamour division. Usyk’s technical mastery, characterized by fluid footwork and pinpoint accuracy, contrasts sharply with Dubois’ explosive power and aggressive style. The clash of these approaches, combined with the ongoing war of words, ensures that the rematch will be a spectacle.
As the fighters prepare to step into the ring at Wembley, the world watches with bated breath. Usyk’s assertion that he plays by his own rules is a bold statement of intent, but Dubois’ refusal to back down suggests he’s ready to challenge that authority. The low blow controversy may have started as a point of contention, but it has evolved into a psychological battle that could tip the scales. In a sport where mind games can be as decisive as punches, this rematch is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in boxing history.
