By Gabriel Princewill-
Promoter Frank Warren has launched an appeal, aiming to overturn the result of Dubois’ loss to Usyk in their world heavyweight title clash on September 26t
Usyk, an undefeated boxer of incredible talent and laudable credentials, who has unified both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions with an impeccable record in both his amateur and professional careers, was a strong favourite to emerge victorious, as he eventually did.
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His undefeated status and his masterful performances in the ring had made him a formidable force in the heavyweight division.
In contrast, Dubois, a talented and promising Londoner, was seen as having an uphill battle to overcome the odds and secure victory.
As predicted by boxing pundits, Usyk used his superior skills to dominate most of the fight, with Dubois presenting a relatively potent challenge, while trailing on the score cards until the fifth round of their clash in Poland, when he landed a devastating contentious blow that sent Usyk to the canvas.
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Usyk was allowed over four minutes to rest, after the referee ruled the punch a low blow, a ruling that would become the epicenter of controversy.
Dubois and his team vehemently contested the decision, arguing that the punch was a legal blow, though most experts subsequently opined the low to be low.
It was a moment that showcased the fine margins and contentious judgments that are often part and parcel of the boxing world.
After the fight was allowed to continue, Dubois eventually succumbed to a straight jab in the ninth round, and struggled to beat the count, leading the referee to halt the fight, securing victory for Usyk.
Warren’s Appeal and the WBA’s Response
In the aftermath of the bout, promoter Frank Warren wasted no time in launching an appeal to have the fight declared a no-contest. The appeal aims to overturn Usyk’s victory and, potentially, force an immediate rematch.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) confirmed the receipt of the appeal in a succinct statement, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
“The WBA, now that it has received a formal appeal from Dubois’ team, will proceed with a review as per the regulations,” the statement read. “Any decision made regarding this situation will be made under WBA rules and communicated in a timely and appropriate manner.”
The Debate Surrounding Low Blows in Boxing
In a sport where precision and accuracy are paramount, the delineation between a legal and illegal blow is often a matter of inches. A punch that lands below the belt line is deemed low and illegal, resulting in penalties for the offending boxer.
The controversy in Dubois vs. Usyk centered on the precise location of the punch that led to Usyk’s fall.
Dubois outboxed by Usyk in controversial bout.
Dubois and his team vehemently contend that the blow had landed on the champion’s belt line, making it a legal shot. Conversely, the referee, who has the ultimate authority inside the ring, saw it differently.
The appeal process will undoubtedly scrutinize this pivotal moment and assess whether the referee’s decision was indeed in accordance with the rules. The outcome of this assessment could have far-reaching consequences for the sport and the fighters involved.
Dubois’ Discontent and Hope for a Rematch
Dubois’ reaction to the referee’s decision was evident in his absence from the post-fight press conference. It was a tangible display of his frustration and disappointment.
Promoter Frank Warren and Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles, joined in the criticism of the referee’s ruling, adding fuel to the controversy.
Even if the WBA determines that the result of the contest should not change, Dubois and his team remain hopeful of securing a mandate for an immediate rematch.
A rematch would not only provide Dubois with an opportunity to avenge the contentious loss but also allow the boxing world to witness Dubois have another crack at the title.
The WBA’s Role and Speculation on the Outcome
The World Boxing Association (WBA), as the governing body overseeing this fight, will play a pivotal role in determining the appeal’s outcome.
While the statement from the WBA emphasizes a review “as per the regulations,” it does not provide specific details about the process or the timeline for a decision.
One potential scenario is that the WBA declares the fight a no-contest due to the controversy surrounding the low blow. This decision could pave the way for an immediate rematch, allowing both fighters to settle the score definitively and without ambiguity.
The likelihood of the WBA ruling the fight a no contest is slim, but it is not improbable for the ruling body to rule for a rematch.
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