Fans claim Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois is ‘FIXED’ as Carl Frampton says Brit ‘should be world champion now’
BOXING fans were left RAGING at the decision to rule Daniel Dubois’ controversial shot a low blow during his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
Briton Dubois, 25, was the heavy underdog coming into the world heavyweight title fight and was outclassed in the opening four rounds.
But in the fifth he hit Usyk, 36, with a shot that landed on or slightly below the belt line.
The blow sent Usyk crumbling to the canvas – with the referee deeming it an illegal shot as he gave the champion several minutes to recuperate.
However, if it had been deemed a legal punch, Usyk could have been counted out.
As it was, Usyk had sufficient time to recover, before he went on to stop Dubois in the ninth round.
In his post-fight interview, Dubois said: “I don’t think that was a low blow. I’ve been cheated out of victory.”
The Brit’s promoter, Frank Warren, also insisted they will appeal the decision.
Speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage, former world champion Carl Frampton said: “When I saw it, it didn’t look low to me.
“Daniel Dubois should be unified heavyweight champion right now.”
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“That was not a low blow. That was a body shot. He should have been counted out.”
And many on social media agreed with him.
One person added: “Dubois should be world champion simple, it’s fixed.”
Another replied: “The ref might as well have given Usyk a cup of tea!”
While a third responded: “How is this low?!!!!”
But others saw it differently, with one fan saying: “Not vintage Usyk but he still dismantled Dubois without really getting out of second gear until round eight.
“The blow that forced Usyk to take a time-out was clearly low but I suspect that enough smoke will be thrown up by that to divert questions away from the way it finished.”
And a second backed them up, adding: “It was low. People will cook Usyk for ages because of how close it was to being on the belt line but these are the facts. .”