Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Results after controversial low blow and knockout
Re-live updates after Usyk retained the unified heavyweight titles against the Briton in Poland
Oleksandr Usyk retained the unified heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois on Saturday, in a hugely controversial fight in Poland.
Usyk dropped Dubois at the end of the eighth round and did the same in the ninth, with referee Luis Pabon waving off the bout after the second knockdown. However, many viewers felt that Dubois was denied a genuine knockout win in the fifth round. Ukrainian Usyk crumpled to the mat after a right hook to the body by Dubois, with the punch appearing to land right on the belt line. But Pabon ruled it an illegal shot, suggesting it was a low blow.
Rules dictate that a fighter is allowed five minutes to recover from such a punch, and Usyk, 36, used four of them before resuming the main event in Wroclaw’s Tarczynski Arena. Usyk even told Pabon that he was ready to continue, but the referee urged the southpaw to take more time.
In the following rounds, Usyk turned the screw, fighting well behind his jab and increasingly crafting combinations that troubled Dubois, 25. The Briton then hit the mat after a flurry of straight shots from Usyk at the end of the eighth round, before going down again due to a jab in the ninth. Although Dubois made it back to his feet, Pabon waved off the fight.
Re-live updates from Usyk vs Dubois and all undercard fights, below.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE
A great reception for Usyk, as you’d expect, withh thousands of Ukrainian fans present in Wroclaw for this one.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE
Dubois is all smiles as he makes his walk, soundtracked by Bob Marley.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE
Here’s another look at the main event:
Usyk may produce his greatest counter yet against Daniel Dubois
Comment: The Ukrainian is out to defend his country’s honour, and he may even take out his frustration with Tyson Fury on his young challenger
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE
The rain has started to come down in Wroclaw.
It’s only adding to the atmosphere, as Michael Buffer takes the microphone to introduce a video message by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE
There’s still time to read Steve Bunce’s fight preview, while we wait for the ring walks:
The misleading narrative of Usyk vs Dubois
Dubois journeys to Poland, where Usyk and a legion of his Ukrainian fans await
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE
One fight to go. It’s Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois, and it’s next.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Aadam Hamed vs Vojtech Hrdy
Aadam Hamed def. Vojtech Hrdy via first-round TKO (2:09).
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Aadam Hamed vs Vojtech Hrdy
Hamed did what he had to do. Hrdy and his team seemed happy enough to get out of there as quickly as possible, as cynical as that may sound.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Aadam Hamed vs Vojtech Hrdy
Round 1
Prince Naseem is in the crowd, rather than in his son’s corner. Four rounds are scheduled.
Hamed with some swift jabs early on. He stands southpaw, as does Hrdy.
A few flashy bits of footwork from Hamed as he looks to close range. Hrdy is trying to use his jab and lateral movement to keep Hamed at bay.
Hrdy retreats into a corner and covers up, with Hamed beginning to unload teasing uppercuts...
It doesn’t look like a lot of damage is being done, but Hrdy is sinking towards the mat, and the towel comes in.
It’s over in the first round.
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