Daniel Dubois camp appeals to overturn Oleksandr Usyk loss

Promoter Frank Warren has initiated an appeal to contest the outcome of Daniel Dubois’ recent world heavyweight title bout against Oleksandr Usyk. The fight took place last month, ended with a defeat for Dubois. Frank Warren is pushing for it to be declared a no-contest, paving the way for an immediate rematch.

In a dramatic turn of events during the fifth round of their encounter in Poland, Dubois managed to knock Usyk to the canvas. However, the referee ruled it as a low blow, granting the Ukrainian fighter valuable time to recover before eventually stopping the Londoner in the ninth round.

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The World Boxing Association (WBA) acknowledged the receipt of Daniel Dubois’ appeal with a brief statement that read: “Daniel Dubois’ camp has formally submitted an appeal concerning the fight that occurred on August 26, wherein he suffered a knockout defeat in nine rounds against Oleksandr Usyk in Wroclaw, Poland.

The WBA, having received this formal appeal from Daniel Dubois’ team, will adhere to the established regulations in conducting a review. Any determination regarding this matter will be made in accordance with WBA rules and promptly communicated.”

Puerto Rican referee Luis Pabon afforded Usyk nearly four minutes to recover following the disputed blow, which Dubois and his team vehemently asserted was a legal hit, as it seemed to connect with the champion’s belt line.

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Following the fight, Dubois chose not to attend the post-fight press conference, where both Frank Warren and his trainer Don Charles criticized the referee’s controversial decision.

Even if the WBA ultimately decides not to alter the outcome of the match, Dubois and his team are hopeful that the governing body will mandate an immediate rematch, aiming to settle the contentious matter once and for all.