The recent bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois ended in a swirl of debate and disagreement. At the heart of the controversy was a heavy body shot Dubois delivered in the fifth round, which had Usyk crumpling to the ground in pain. The blow was deemed a low one by referee Luis Pabon, causing an uproar especially as Usyk later managed to turn the tables, knocking Dubois down in the ninth to clinch the victory.
Dubois, backed by promoter Frank Warren, is contesting the fight’s outcome, arguing that the fifth-round punch was legitimate and should’ve resulted in a count-out against Usyk. The boxing world is split over the incident, with some siding with Dubois and others echoing the referee's decision.
Former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson is among those who believe the punch was legal. Speaking to Talk Sport, he likened Usyk’s reaction to that of footballers who exaggerate their injuries, suggesting Usyk might’ve taken advantage of the situation. However, Nelson doesn’t believe this oversight would have changed the fight’s outcome. In his view, even if Usyk was given a count following Dubois’ punch, he would’ve gathered himself and ultimately prevailed in the later rounds.
Nelson’s perspective is that while the controversial punch might not have been low, Dubois still wouldn’t have defeated a fighter of Usyk’s caliber. The underlying sentiment seems to be that, controversy aside, the right man won the match. Yet, with so much at stake and opinions sharply divided, the debate over that pivotal fifth-round punch promises to linger on.
Image Credit: Sky Sports