Tension Before the Rematch: Usyk’s Team Exposes Dubois with Over 20 Low Blows, Using Signed Photos to Ignite Controversy

As the hype intensifies ahead of the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, a fresh wave of controversy has erupted—this time with Usyk’s camp turning the tables. In a dramatic press conference just weeks before the fight, Team Usyk publicly accused Dubois of landing over 20 low blows during their first bout in 2023. To back up their explosive claim, they unveiled a series of signed photographic stills allegedly confirming each foul, sparking outrage, ridicule, and renewed tension between the two camps.

What was expected to be a routine promotional event escalated quickly into a verbal and visual battle, with Usyk’s team strategically displaying a photo board showing timestamps, ring footage, and freeze-frames of alleged low blows—each one signed by a member of Usyk’s corner. The move, while theatrical, was a calculated effort to counter Dubois’ ongoing narrative that he was “robbed” in their first fight.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Team Fires Back with Visual Evidence

During the press event held in Kyiv, Usyk’s trainer Serhiy Lapin and promoter Alex Krassyuk took center stage to deliver a passionate takedown of Dubois’ accusations. As Krassyuk displayed the photos to a stunned room of reporters, he declared:

“Dubois claims he was robbed? No. What we saw was a disgraceful amount of illegal shots. We have visual proof of more than 20 low blows, many of which were ignored by the referee. This is not boxing—it’s desperation.”

The photographic stills, presented on large poster boards, showed angles of Dubois’ gloves connecting below the belt line—some clear, others more debatable. Each photo had a visible marker, timestamp, and the signature of a team member attesting to the authenticity and intent. These images quickly made their way across social media platforms, igniting intense debates among fans, analysts, and fighters.

Critics of the stunt called it “childish” and “petty,” while others applauded Usyk’s team for taking a stand against what they perceived as deliberate fouling. Regardless of which side one supports, the tactic clearly achieved its objective—refocusing public scrutiny on Dubois’ conduct, rather than allowing him to control the pre-fight narrative.

Daniel Dubois’ Accusations of Being ‘Robbed’ Under Fire

The narrative Dubois has been pushing since 2023 centers on one pivotal moment in their first fight: a devastating body shot in the fifth round that dropped Usyk, which referee Luis Pabon ruled a low blow. Dubois argued then—and continues to claim—that the punch was legal and that he should have been declared the winner.

But now, with Usyk’s team countering with overwhelming documentation of other fouls, the credibility of Dubois’ claims is in question. Boxing expert Carl Froch, speaking on Sky Sports, commented:

“If Dubois wants to argue about one borderline punch, fine. But if Usyk’s team has legitimate proof of 20+ low blows, then this is no longer a debate—it’s a pattern. And that’s not how you win world titles.”

Dubois has not directly addressed the photo board incident yet, but insiders from Queensberry Promotions suggest he is preparing a response that could include his own compiled footage, potentially accusing Usyk of excessive clinching and “acting” to exaggerate foul damage. Whether that holds water remains to be seen, but the escalation of this feud is now as much about pride and perception as it is about boxing skill.

Low Blow Controversy Now a Strategic Narrative

The strategy behind Usyk’s team showcasing signed photo evidence may be multifaceted. Beyond simply defending their fighter, they appear to be planting psychological seeds in the minds of both fans and officials. By documenting and circulating these supposed infractions, they’re likely attempting to influence the behavior of the next fight’s referee, who will now be under greater pressure to monitor Dubois’ body work.

It’s a smart, albeit provocative, tactic. As boxing historian Thomas Hauser explains:

“In elite boxing, mind games are critical. What Usyk’s team is doing is raising the bar for officiating. Any borderline shot from Dubois in the rematch will now be scrutinized more harshly because of this visual campaign. That could change his entire approach.”

And indeed, Dubois is known for his body-focused offense. Taking away that weapon—or making him overly cautious about it—could dramatically impact the rematch’s dynamics. If Dubois becomes hesitant to throw to the midsection, Usyk will enjoy a major tactical advantage as he dances on the outside and breaks down opponents with precision.

Social Media Reaction: A House Divided

The release of the signed photos has led to intense social media warfare between supporters of both fighters. On Twitter, hashtags like #UsykLowBlows and #DuboisDirtyBoxing have surged in popularity. Fans have dissected and zoomed into the images, arguing over whether they truly show fouls or simply effective body shots.

One viral post from a Ukrainian user read:

“Dubois is a coward. 21 illegal hits and still lost. Now he wants to cry foul?”

While a British fan fired back:

“Photos mean nothing. Usyk took a legal shot to the liver and folded. End of story.”

The divide even reached professional circles. Deontay Wilder, in an Instagram livestream, called the whole situation “embarrassing” for both sides, saying:

“It’s boxing, man. Sometimes you get hit low. Sometimes you hit low. Let the fists do the talking, not these posters.”

Regardless of public opinion, one thing is clear: this controversy has supercharged interest in the rematch, and ticket sales, betting activity, and global streaming subscriptions have all surged since the visual stunt.

Final Build-Up: Respect or Revenge?

As both fighters enter the final stages of training, the mental warfare is escalating. Usyk continues to maintain an image of disciplined focus, even as his team throws rhetorical punches. Dubois, on the other hand, is leaning into the role of the aggrieved brawler seeking justice.

The rematch, now scheduled for late July in Saudi Arabia, is poised to be a career-defining moment for both men. If Usyk wins again, he silences all doubters and reinforces his claim as the most intelligent and resilient heavyweight of his generation. If Dubois pulls off the upset, he rewrites the narrative and avenges what he calls a “stolen” victory.

But make no mistake—this fight is no longer just about belts. It’s about dignity, vengeance, legitimacy, and truth. The signed photos, whether you believe in their significance or not, have added a visceral layer to the drama. The question now becomes: who will keep their composure when it counts?