Oleksandr Usyk cashed in as a significant favourite in opposition to Daniel Dubois on Saturday, however no longer with out controversy. Usyk’s remarkable protection of his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles — capped by way of a ninth-round knockout — can be overshadowed by way of the referee’s determination relating to a possible low misspen.

Dubois floored Usyk in Spherical 5 with a shot the referee dominated unlawful. Usyk required the whole thing of the 5 mins allotted to him to get better. A replay confirmed an impressive Dubois misspen proper at the belt sequence. Debates in an instant sparked amongst lovers and commentators about whether or not Usyk used to be fouled or dropped blank. Dubois’ camp used to be outraged by way of the decision. They promised to enchantment the verdict and query why Dubois used to be no longer deducted some extent if the foul used to be reputable.

“I didn’t think that was a low blow and I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight,” Dubois stated post-fight.

Usyk used to be composed within the previous rounds however used to be extra animated then the debated misspen. Usyk’s constancy to offense spurred a thrilling back-half to the clash. Dubois made Usyk uncomfortable with spare bodywork; in the meantime, the champ time and again snapped his challenger’s head again with jabs and straights. 

Usyk scored the primary authentic knockdown of the clash in Spherical 8. The champion dropped Dubois with a mix punctuated with a proper hook and left go. Dubois used to be stored by way of the bell however may no longer live to tell the tale a stiff proper hand in Spherical 9.

Necessary challenger Dubois used to be granted his name shot in opposition to Usyk then a deeply desired Usyk vs. Tyson Rage clash fell thru. Usyk once more turns his consideration against an undisputed heavyweight championship clash however has doubts then earlier negotiations fell thru.

“I’m ready tomorrow…” Usyk stated post-fight. “Will Tyson Fury want it? I have no idea. But I’m ready.”