In the aftermath of a highly contentious heavyweight fight, British boxer Daniel Dubois has made headlines by asserting that he was “cheated out of victory” in his bout against Oleksandr Usyk.

The match, which took place amidst high anticipation, has now become the center of a heated debate within the boxing community, with Dubois’ claims adding fuel to the fire.

The fight between Dubois and Usyk was billed as a significant challenge for the Ukrainian, who holds the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. Dubois, known for his power and determination, was eager to dethrone Usyk and establish himself as a major force in the heavyweight division. The match was a closely contested affair, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows and showcasing their respective skills.

The controversy erupted in the fifth round when Dubois landed a powerful body shot that sent Usyk to the canvas. Dubois and many observers believed the punch was a legitimate knockdown, with the potential to change the course of the fight.

However, the referee ruled the punch as a low blow, giving Usyk time to recover and avoid what could have been a pivotal moment in the fight. This decision has since been the focal point of Dubois’ claims that he was unjustly denied a chance to win.

In the immediate aftermath of the fight, Dubois did not mince words about his feelings regarding the referee’s decision.

“I was cheated out of victory,” Dubois stated in his post-fight interview. He argued that the body shot was clean and legal, and that Usyk was simply unable to handle the power of the punch. “It was a clear knockdown, and they took that away from me. I should be the champion right now.”

Dubois’ team has backed his claims, suggesting that the referee’s decision was influenced by the high stakes of the match and Usyk’s status as a dominant champion.

They are calling for a review of the fight and have hinted at pursuing a rematch to settle the controversy. Dubois himself has expressed his desire for another shot at Usyk, insisting that the outcome would be different without the alleged interference from the officials.

In his post-fight comments, Usyk acknowledged the punch but defended the referee’s decision, stating that the blow did indeed land below the belt. “The referee made the right call,” Usyk said. “It was a tough fight, and I respect Dubois for his effort, but the rules are the rules.”

Usyk went on to praise Dubois for his performance, noting that the British boxer presented a formidable challenge. However, he was clear in his stance that the victory was rightfully his and that he is ready to move on to the next challenge in his career. Usyk’s camp has expressed little interest in a rematch, emphasizing that the fight was won fairly and that Dubois should accept the outcome.

The boxing community has been divided in its reaction to the fight and Dubois’ accusations. Some analysts and fans agree with Dubois, arguing that the punch was on the borderline and that the referee’s decision may have been overly cautious.

They believe that Dubois was denied a fair opportunity to capitalize on his momentum and that the controversy has overshadowed what could have been a defining moment in his career.

On the other hand, there are those who side with Usyk and the referee’s interpretation of the rules. They argue that while the punch was close, the referee is tasked with making quick, difficult decisions in the heat of the moment, and that protecting the fighters’ safety is paramount. This camp believes that Dubois should focus on his future rather than dwelling on the outcome of a single fight.