Oleksandr Usyk Mocks Dubois Camp: “Give Them an Oscar” After Cheating Claims

After weeks of silence, Oleksandr Usyk has finally fired back at the controversy surrounding his 2023 fight against Daniel Dubois. The Ukrainian heavyweight champion took a sarcastic jab at Dubois’ camp following renewed claims that Usyk faked a low blow to buy recovery time. When asked about the accusations, Usyk responded, “Give them an Oscar!” — a mocking reference to what he sees as a theatrical and baseless narrative from Dubois’ team.

Usyk’s comment came after Dubois’ trainer once again accused the champion of misleading the referee and manipulating the outcome of their title bout. The accusations stem from the fifth round of the fight, when Dubois landed a borderline punch that sent Usyk to the canvas. The referee ruled it a low blow, and Usyk was granted several minutes to recover. That moment remains one of the most hotly debated in recent boxing history.

Daniel Dubois’ team reignites the feud

Daniel Dubois’ camp, particularly his trainer Don Charles, has not let the controversy die down. Charles recently declared in an interview, “Usyk conned the boxing world.” According to him, the punch was perfectly legal, and Usyk’s exaggerated reaction unfairly influenced the referee.

Charles went even further, stating that if the referee had ruled the punch fair, Dubois could have become the new heavyweight champion. “We had him hurt,” Charles claimed. “Usyk knew it. That’s why he acted.”

These statements have fueled further discussion among boxing fans and pundits, many of whom have divided opinions on whether the shot was indeed below the belt. Some slow-motion replays appear to show the punch landing right on the beltline, raising questions about the referee’s call.

Usyk’s response: Theatrical and confident

In his usual composed and witty manner, Oleksandr Usyk dismissed the allegations with humor. His statement, “Give them an Oscar, they deserve it,” showcases his confidence and perhaps even irritation with the ongoing narrative.

Usyk emphasized that the referee made a legitimate decision and that his reaction in the ring was not staged. “I don’t need to act. I fight. That’s what I do,” he said. The undefeated champion pointed to his performance in the later rounds — where he regained control and eventually scored a ninth-round knockout — as evidence that the low blow did not alter the outcome of the fight.

The boxing world reacts to the low blow drama

The boxing community remains split on the incident. Some fans believe Dubois landed a legal body shot, and that Usyk overacted to gain an advantage. Others stand by the referee’s decision, noting that blows on the beltline can be ruled illegal depending on the fighter’s waistband position and referee instructions.

Former fighters like Carl Froch and Tony Bellew have weighed in. Froch has been sympathetic to Dubois’ case, stating the shot looked legal to him. Bellew, however, defended Usyk, emphasizing that the unified heavyweight champion has never been one to look for a way out.

Impact on Usyk vs. Fury negotiations

Interestingly, this resurfaced controversy comes at a time when Oleksandr Usyk is preparing for his long-awaited bout with Tyson Fury. The historic unification fight is scheduled to take place later this year, and all eyes are on Usyk’s preparations.

Usyk’s ability to block out noise and respond to distractions with humor could play a psychological role in the build-up to the Fury fight. While some view his sarcasm as dismissive, others see it as a sign of mental fortitude — a crucial trait when facing the ever-unpredictable Tyson Fury.

Daniel Dubois looking to rebuild

Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois is attempting to rebuild his career after the loss. Despite the controversy, he has earned respect for his willingness to face elite opponents. Dubois recently returned to action with a strong performance, signaling that he’s not letting the Usyk defeat define him.

However, Dubois’ team continues to push the narrative that he was robbed, which has become a double-edged sword. While it garners attention and sympathy from some fans, others criticize it as an excuse that undermines the sport’s integrity.

Will there be a Usyk vs. Dubois rematch?

There has been speculation about a potential Usyk vs. Dubois rematch, but nothing has been confirmed. Most observers agree that unless Dubois climbs back up the rankings with decisive wins, a rematch is unlikely.

Usyk has bigger goals at the moment — namely, defeating Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. For now, Dubois remains a subplot, albeit a loud one.

Conclusion: Oscar-worthy or baseless blame?

Oleksandr Usyk’s sarcastic remark may not end the debate, but it underscores his confidence and composure in the face of criticism. By mocking the accusations, Usyk effectively turned the narrative back on Dubois’ camp, portraying them as sore losers rather than righteous truth-tellers.

Whether fans side with Usyk or Dubois, one thing is clear: the incident has added another dramatic chapter to modern heavyweight boxing. And as Usyk prepares for a showdown with Tyson Fury, the last thing he needs is drama — but clearly, he’s not afraid to laugh at it when it comes.