Oleksandr Usyk 'conned' boxing world and deserves 'an Oscar', claim Dubois' team ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Published 29/04/2025 at 19:18 GMT+1
Daniel Dubois' team have told Oleksandr Usyk he "should be given an Oscar" after he "conned the boxing world" in their first bout in 2023. Before being stopped by Usyk in the ninth round, Dubois had dropped his opponent, but the decisive punch was declared a low blow. Usyk brought images of the punch to the pair's press conference ahead of their rematch, but Dubois' team insist they were "conned".
Dubois gatecrashes Usyk winning interview to declare ‘I want my revenge’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Daniel Dubois’ team have told Oleksandr Usyk that he "conned the boxing world" when the pair first met in August 2023, as they prepare for their undisputed title fight in July.
The Ukrainian beat Dubois in their first bout thanks to a ninth-round stoppage, but had been dropped by a body shot earlier in the fight that was declared a low blow by the referee.
As the pair met at a news conference on Tuesday ahead of their rematch on July 19, Usyk presented his opponent with several images showing the angle and height of the punch before encouraging Dubois to sign one of the pictures.
Dubois' trainer Don Charles said: "It disappoints me that you could actually stoop as low as bringing those types of photographs.
"You should be given an Oscar for the performance. You conned the referee, you conned us, you conned the boxing world.
"His central nervous system was shut down, hence why he was trembling."
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Usyk presented Dubois with images of the controversial punch from their first fight
Image credit: Getty Images
Usyk responded to the comments by saying: "You're right, I deserve an Oscar. You must teach your fighter to punch clean.
"It's just talking. For me, it doesn't matter. It's my road, just my road. Blah blah blah.
"I respect all my opponents."
The rematch is set to take place at Wembley Stadium, with Usyk looking to become a three-time undisputed champion and a two-time undisputed heavyweight title-holder.
The Ukrainian became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis as he beat Tyson Fury in May 2024 by split decision.
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He subsequently vacated the IBF title, and Dubois was the beneficiary, being elevated to champion before defending his title in a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.
Discussing the controversial moment from the pair’s first fight in 2023, promoter Frank Warren said: "As I sit here now, all day long that was an illegal blow. It's not about the belt line, it's where the navel is."
Meanwhile, Usyk's promoter Alexander Krassyuk said: "You will see the version of Usyk that you have never seen before. No more controversies, no more question marks. Let the victory go to the one who deserves it more."
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