Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s End Oleksandr Usyk 'Low Blow’ Debate

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend | By T J Rives | Last updated 8/28/23

Now, almost two days after unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his WBA/IBF/WBO world titles by ninth round TKO over Daniel Dubois, can we finally end the debate about whether Dubois punch in the fifth round was low or legal?

This, as overwhelming slo-mo video evidence and still photos show Dubois’ right uppercut towards Usyk’s naval clearly land below the belt. And, though the Ukranian champion reacted and stayed down to recover, that’s somehow been turned by some into a silly controversy that Usyk should have been counted out.

It’s point we debated on our “Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast” off the weekend, as insider Dan Rafael joined me. You can hear our thoughts by clicking play below,

Fighting for the first time in a year and in the neighboring country of Poland next to his homeland of Ukraine, Usyk had over 30,000 fans shocked and largely hushed as he tried to recover from the punch below the belt in the fifth.

However, he got back up, had allotted time to recover and took right back control of the bout. Usyk eventually won the defense with a hard right to Dubois left eye that sent him to his knees and the Englishman’s night was done at that point. The win improved Usyk to 21-0, 14 KOs, and was the second successful defense of his three heavyweight world titles.

Rafael has further insight on the podcast from the WBA, whom he corresponded with Sunday afternoon, about their thoughts on Dubois’ complaining that the punch was legal and should the fight be ruled a no contest? And, we also discuss whether we will see Usyk fight again late in the year while waiting for WBC champ Tyson Fury and an undisputed shot?

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