Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois – The Mystery of the Low Blow and the Chance for Revenge at Wembley: What Will Happen?

The world of boxing is once again ablaze with anticipation as Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois prepare for a high-stakes rematch at Wembley Stadium. This time, it’s more than just about belts—it’s about redemption, vindication, and one very controversial moment: the infamous low blow.

The first fight between these two heavyweights was mired in debate. Did Dubois land a clean body shot, or did he hit below the belt? The answer, depending on who you ask, changes everything. Now, with a second showdown scheduled on one of the sport’s biggest stages, the only certainty is that the bad blood remains.

The First Fight: A Victory and a Controversy

On August 26, 2023, Oleksandr Usyk defended his unified heavyweight titles against Daniel Dubois in Wroclaw, Poland. For the Ukrainian champion, it was expected to be another strategic masterclass. But midway through the fight, in round five, the atmosphere turned electric—and controversial.

Dubois landed a punch that appeared to land on Usyk’s waistband, and the champion collapsed to the canvas. Referee Luis Pabon immediately ruled it a low blow, giving Usyk over three minutes to recover. The fight resumed, and Usyk eventually stopped Dubois in the ninth round.

But the damage had been done—not to Usyk, but to the credibility of the outcome.

“That was a legal shot,” Dubois said after the fight. “I was robbed.”

His promoter, Frank Warren, was furious, calling for an official review. They even filed a protest to the WBA, which was ultimately denied. But the court of public opinion was far more divided.

Was It Really a Low Blow?

The punch in question continues to stir debate. While Luis Pabon insisted it was below the belt, slow-motion replays showed the glove grazing the waistband. Depending on camera angles, it could be seen as a legitimate body shot or an illegal strike.

Even legendary names in the sport couldn’t agree:

• Carl Froch claimed the punch was “on the borderline but legal.”

• Roy Jones Jr. argued it was “clearly below the belt.”

• Lennox Lewis suggested that the waistband placement made things ambiguous.

And therein lies the problem. Without a consistent global standard on what constitutes “below the belt,” this gray area has left the first fight permanently tainted by controversy.

Oleksandr Usyk: Defending More Than Titles

Oleksandr Usyk is a once-in-a-generation fighter. A former undisputed cruiserweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and now undisputed heavyweight king following his victory over Tyson Fury in 2024, Usyk has cemented himself in the sport’s pantheon of greats.

But despite all of that, the Dubois fight hangs over his record like an asterisk.

“I follow the rules. The referee said it was a low blow,” Usyk told the press. “That’s all.”

In most other fights, Usyk’s performance would be hailed as brilliant—precise jabs, intelligent footwork, and a patient breakdown of his opponent. But in this case, the narrative revolves not around his skills but around surviving what might have been a legitimate knockout.

With the rematch looming, Usyk isn’t just defending belts—he’s defending his honor and legacy.

Daniel Dubois: From ‘Quitter’ to Contender Again

When Daniel Dubois was stopped by Joe Joyce in 2020, critics labeled him a quitter. He had taken a knee with a fractured orbital bone, leading to endless questions about his heart. Since then, Dubois has embarked on a mission to silence doubters.

That journey reached its most pivotal point against Usyk. Despite the loss, many saw him as the man who nearly dethroned the champion. The controversy gave him new life, and since then, Dubois has focused on improvement—physically and mentally.

“I’m not going to let this one slip. I want revenge. And this time, it’ll be decisive,” Dubois said ahead of the Wembley clash.

Dubois knows this is his moment. If he defeats Usyk on British soil, in front of tens of thousands of fans, he won’t just redeem himself—he’ll become a national hero and a world champion.

Wembley Stadium: A Stage Fit for Redemption

The rematch will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, one of the most iconic venues in the history of the sport. From Joshua vs Klitschko to Froch vs Groves II, Wembley has hosted some of the most electrifying nights in boxing history.

With over 90,000 fans expected, the energy will be palpable. Dubois will have the home crowd advantage, but Usyk, who has already won twice in the UK, won’t be fazed.

Promoters are hyping it as a clash of redemption versus supremacy—a true heavyweight blockbuster.

Tactical Breakdown: What Needs to Change

For Usyk to Win Again:

• Avoid the body: Usyk must adjust his defensive stance to protect against body shots—especially those near the beltline.

• Early control: Dominate the first four rounds to discourage Dubois’ aggression.

• Take the crowd out: Usyk needs to stay composed and avoid engaging in brawls that could fire up the British audience.

For Dubois to Pull the Upset:

• Relentless body work: Target the midsection again, but be cleaner and more decisive.

• Cut off the ring: Usyk thrives on movement. Dubois must trap him and make the fight physical.

• Capitalize early: If Dubois hurts Usyk, he must finish—there can be no hesitation this time.

Expert Predictions: Boxing World Divided

David Haye (Former Heavyweight Champion):

“Usyk’s skills are top-tier, but Dubois has seen the blueprint now. If he follows through, we could have an upset.”

Johnny Nelson (Former Cruiserweight Champion):

“I don’t think Dubois has the mindset to beat Usyk unless he changes his entire strategy.”

Joe Joyce (Former Opponent to Both Fighters):

“I beat Dubois, and I sparred Usyk. Usyk’s on another level.”

Once again, analysts are split, which makes the outcome all the more compelling.

What Happens If Dubois Wins?

A Dubois victory would throw the heavyweight division into chaos—and excitement. Usyk would be forced to invoke a trilogy clause, and fans would likely get a third and final decider. It would also set up possible future fights between Dubois and the likes of Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, or even a rematch with Joe Joyce.

More importantly, it would validate Dubois as an elite force—no longer the fighter who quit, but the one who conquered the king.

What If Usyk Dominates Again?

Should Usyk win decisively, he would finally bury the low-blow narrative and confirm his supremacy over the division. With wins over Joshua, Fury, and Dubois, there would be little left to prove.

He could then explore retirement, a superfight against Francis Ngannou, or even move back down to cruiserweight to chase undisputed status in two divisions again.

Final Thoughts: The Low Blow That Echoes Into a Rematch

Whether you believe Dubois was wronged or not, the truth is simple: the punch that changed everything now fuels the biggest rematch of 2025. At Wembley Stadium, the world will finally get its answer.

Was it a low blow—or a stolen knockout?

With redemption on one side and legacy on the other, Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois II is more than a fight. It’s a reckoning.