Lennox Lewis says Daniel Dubois didn't hit Oleksandr Usyk with a low blow in their 2023 fight. The former heavyweight champion shared his thoughts on the controversial moment that changed the course of the bout.
Dubois got his first shot at a world title against Usyk in Poland last August. He started strong and looked to be in with a chance of an upset. In the fifth round, Dubois landed a body shot that sent Usyk to the canvas. The referee ruled it a low blow and gave Usyk time to recover.
Many people watching didn't agree with the ref's call. Usyk used the full five minutes he was allowed before getting back to his feet. He went on to stop Dubois in the later rounds. Some think Dubois lost heart after coming so close to victory.
Since then, Usyk has fought Tyson Fury twice. He won the first fight to become undisputed champion but had to give up the IBF belt. He still holds the other three titles. Dubois, on the other hand, has been on a roll. He's knocked out Jarrell Miller, Fillip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. Now he's the IBF heavyweight champion.
Speaking on the Froch on Fighting podcast, Lewis sided with Dubois on the controversial punch:
"No, that wasn't a low blow. Ask any boxer, it was on the belt line. Did you think he played into that? We all do it. We know the game. I would too."
Usyk might want a rematch with Dubois to put the controversy to rest. For now, Dubois is set to defend his IBF heavyweight title. He'll face Joseph Parker on February 22 in Saudi Arabia.
