Daniel Dubois and his team are clinging to hopes that an appeal of his loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their world title fight will get them at least a rematch, but Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas has said that would be believing ‘in magic.’
Their hopes are hung on whether the WBA will rule Dubois’s body shot in the fifth round was legal. During the fight, it was deemed a low blow by referee Luis Pabon, and Usyk was given over three minutes to recover.
He did so, then took back control and eventually stopped Dubois on his knee in the ninth round.
Promoter Frank Warren provided an update on the appeal process via social media.
“We are currently in the process of putting together a compelling case to put forward to the WBA. The least Daniel should receive is an ordered rematch. More appropriate would be the fight being declared a no-contest.”
One of those who thinks the appeal is futile is Klimas, who has responded to the post.
“Frank, you been in business longer when we all are and you still believe in magic. Come on Man. Low blow is a low blow.”
Warren responded, not budging on his position.
Egis, I am in complete agreement with you, a low blow is a low blow, that’s a fact… but it wasn’t a low blow my friend. https://t.co/JVAahOOb37
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) September 1, 2023
Plenty of pundits, former and current fighters believe the blow was low, whilst it appears just as many – including well-regarded referees – say it was legal.
Some think that the bigger issue is that Dubois appeared to be happy to be counted out while in complete control of all of his faculties and watching the referee in round nine.
While his battle with the governing body will go on, Usyk looks set to march on to a third defence of his titles against big Croatian Filip Hrgovic.