Promoter Frank Warren has told Boxing Social of his intentions to appeal the result of an appeal.
Daniel Dubois travelled to Wroclaw, Poland in August to challenge for Oleksandr Usyk’s unified heavyweight world titles. The Brit entered the ring a massive underdog, and was out-boxed and out-manoeuvred for the majority of the contest.
His standout moment was a shot that hurt the Ukrainian in round five, but it was immediately ruled a low blow by referee Luis Pabon. Usyk would be given ample time to recover, and went on to stop Dubois in the ninth to retain his three heavyweight titles.
Warren appealed the call post-fight, sending evidence to the WBA in the hope of having a rematch called. The sanctioning body recently released its verdict, concluding that there was no conclusive evidence the shot wasn’t low and standing by Pabon’s call.
Speaking to Boxing Social, the veteran promoter believes that his case wasn’t considered as intended.
“I’m disappointed that they’ve not even considered what our complaint was. What they’ve come back with doesn’t even address it.
We complained about the referee not giving specific instructions to both boxers, and for what he did regarding the amount of time [to recover] he gave, which was nearly four minutes, for Usyk to rest even when he wanted to carry on himself after a blow that wasn’t even a low blow.”
In its statement, the WBA did not mention any investigation into what was said to the fighters ahead of the bout regarding where was considered low – as fans will see many referees doing before the first bell.
Asked if he had to now accept the result and move on, Warren said no.
“We will appeal that.”
As for Dubois and what the future holds, the Queensberry man said 2024 would see his return following surgery.
“He’s having his tonsils out, so he’s out of action till next year.”
The 26-year-old has subsequently dropped to number seven in the WBA rankings, and faces a fight back to the top.