'For me, 100%, If the Referee Started To Count, I Would Have Definitely Jumped Up' - Usyk Responed to Charles Allegations
A significant moment in the boxing world occurred when Daniel Dubois, a British heavyweight contender, seemingly floored reigning Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk in Poland with a powerful body punch. However, referee Luis Pabon deemed the punch, which landed right on the belt line, as a low blow in the fifth round. Instead of being declared a knockout, the fight resumed. After the controversial decision, Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) managed to regain his composure. He subsequently brought down Dubois (19-2, 18 KOs) in the eighth round and officially stopped him in the ninth, retaining his WBO, WBA, IBF, and IBO titles. Later on, Dubois commented on social media, praising Usyk for being a formidable opponent but jestingly remarked on the decision, implying he felt hard done by it. Dubois' coach, Don Charles, expressed greater displeasure, insinuating that some underhanded tactics played a part. He conveyed profound disappointment with the referee's decision, believing Dubois had secured a knockout. Charles emphasized Usyk's religious displays, urging him to uphold honesty in the sport, implying the champion may have played a part in influencing the controversial call.
“I’m devastated. Devastation is an understatement. The fighter, Daniel Dubois, was robbed of his moment. The team, the family, family friends, the country — robbed last night,” Charles told IFL. “We knew we had to end the fight in six rounds, which we managed to do in the fifth round. That was a knockout. That wasn’t even a TKO — it was a KO. “There is only one God. Usyk is always seen making cross signs and praying. I want to know which God [he] is worshiping because you don’t lie in the name of God. “Usyk, stop cheating and be fair. If you’re a religious man like you claim, do not cheat in the name of God.”However, Usyk responded, clarifying that had the referee counted, he would've continued the fight. He also criticized those who resort to unfair means for victory, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the sport.
“For me, 100%, if the referee started to count, I would have definitely jumped up,” Usyk told Boxing King Media. “I would be on my feet. It would be hard for me to recuperate and come back to my normal state, but there is no doubt that I would be up. “It’s not a good thing when people try to get the victory using those dirty tactics. You cannot win by being dirty. You have to be clear."Charles wasn't done with his criticisms, specifically targeting referee Pabon. He questioned Pabon's ability to officiate high-level matches, suggesting that if one can't perform their job correctly, they should be reassigned to lesser roles.
“If you’re not good to do your job, you should get demoted,” said Charles. “If you’re not competent, you should be demoted to a lower level because he’s not good enough to referee at that level.”
