On the 26th August we saw defending champion Oleksandr Usyk face off against contender Daniel Dubois. Should Dubois be the new champion? Was Dubois body shot legal or a low blow? Was this one of the worst decisions in boxing? Let’s explore.
What happened
Straight out of the gate Daniel Dubois looked to attack Usyk’s body. He has shown vulnerability to this in the past being knocked down by Medigidov in 2013 (which also looked to be a lower shot than Dubois body shot) And again against Anthony Joshua throughout the fight. He also complained of a low blow on the belt line in that fight.
Usyk was down for over 3 minutes, if the referee made the count it would have meant we would have had a new champion. Other than this moment Usyk dominated the action, but that doesn’t mean we should over look it.
The Evidence
Almost immediately, Usyk complained of “low shots” despite them looking legal, in my opinion this conditioned the referee who also happened to be the same referee that called a low blow against Anthony Joshua
His shorts and Usyk body shot (in slow motion)
This is a short clip of what appears to show Usyk mid fight with high shorts then after the fight he pulled them down to make it appear his belt line was lower than in the fight
Evidence of Dubois Body Shot Being Legal
This video is a full breakdown of all the points being raised by Daniel Dubois trainer and provides slow motion footage which appears to prove Usyk cheated to win against Dubois
Whats rule for a low blow in boxing?
A low blow is a shot often known as being “below the belt” or below the belt line. (The top of the shorts) Shorts should be lower than the navel (belly button) You can see both fighters had shorts above this, but only Usyk complained for low blows. Despite being on the belt line and said belt line being above the legal place.
Whats next?
Frank Warren and the Dubois team plan on appealing the decision made by the referee to make it a “no contest” at a minimum. Although decisions are sometimes overturned it is very rare. Despite it being clear the punch was legal, in the eyes of the referee making a call in that moment it is not immediately obvious. We have the benefit of slow motion tech and can take as long as we like to make the call. Its not an easy job.
I do not expect the decision will be overturned but what we have re-confirmed is that Usyk is beatable, when in the past he has looked unbeatable. Will this performance be enough to encourage Tyson Fury to make the fight we all want?
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What’s the low blow rule in boxing?
A low blow is a shot often known as being “below the belt” or below the belt line. (The top of the shorts) Shorts should be lower than the navel (belly button)
Was Daniel Dubois punch legal?
It appears upon review that Daniel Dubois punch was legal, although borderline.