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: Aadam Hamed vs Vojtech Hrdy
Aadam, 23, looks very relaxed, singing along to his walkout song – “Flashing Lights” – as he makes his way through the stadium.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Aadam Hamed vs Vojtech Hrdy
It’s been 21 years since Aadam’s father last fought.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Aadam Hamed vs Vojtech Hrdy
One of Hrdy’s two wins has come via knockout. Can the Czech spring an upset here?
Few will be betting on it.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Aadam Hamed in action
Hamed is making his debut (having never even fought in the amateurs), taking on Vojtech Hrdy (1-2) at super-lightweight.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Aadam Hamed in action
Aadam Hamed, son of Prince Naseem Hamed, is in action next!
Then, it’s time for the main event...
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit
Denys Berinchyk def. Anthony Yigit via unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113, 116-112).
And still! The Ukrainian retains the WBO International lightweight title.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit
Yigit roars after the final bell and does a few push-ups.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit
Round 12
Final round! Yigit goes after Berinchyk. There are hard shots in close from both men! Yigit looks like he has his eyes closed!
He lands, though! More than once! Berinchyk responds in kind, and the crowd roars! The Ukrainian points at the canvas in the centre of the ring, and both men bow their heads and wing hooks!
Straight punches land for both lightweights. Yigit’s chin is holding up so well. He staggers Berinchyk with a pair of hooks!
Berinchyk with a right hook to the body. Yigit just misses with a left hook upstairs. Hard hooks to the body from him, though.
Round of the night, by far!
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit
Round 11
Yigit buries an uppercut into the gut of Berinchyk before stepping away.
Yigit with a long right hook now, but there’s not a lot of power behind it.
Berinchyk just misses with a right hook but lands two on the left side.
Berinchyk steps in with an uppercut. Yigit wings a hook so hard that he almost falls over after missing.
Usyk vs Dubois LIVE: Denys Berinchyk vs Anthony Yigit
Round 10
Three rounds to go. A jab lands clean for Berinchyk. Yigit’s left eye is looking increasingly compromised.
The crowd gets behind Berinchyk as the lightweights stand and trade in the centre of the ring.
Yigit beckons on his opponent as Berinchyk lands a harsh uppercut. Yigit fires back.
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