“Conman Usyk Deserves an Oscar” – Team Dubois Fires Shots Ahead of Rematch
Daniel Dubois’ Trainer Calls Oleksandr Usyk a “Conman” as Tension Builds Before Summer Clash
Ahead of their highly anticipated rematch this summer, heavyweight Daniel Dubois’ trainer took a swipe at Oleksandr Usyk, accusing the Ukrainian champion of “conning” the boxing world during their first encounter. The two fighters are set to face off for the undisputed heavyweight title on July 19 at Wembley Stadium, with all four world titles on the line.
The first meeting between the two, which took place in August 2023, saw Usyk claim victory via a ninth-round stoppage. However, the fight was marred by controversy, as Dubois had dropped Usyk with a body shot that was ruled a low blow by the referee. The controversy surrounding that punch is still fresh in the minds of many, and with the rematch just around the corner, tensions are running high.
Don Charles Accuses Usyk of “Conning” the Boxing World
Oleksandr Usyk holds pictures of a low blow from Daniel Dubois in their fight at a news conference
At a recent press conference in London, Usyk presented Dubois with photographs that appeared to show the punch landing below the belt line. The images were a clear reference to the controversial moment in their first encounter. Usyk asked Dubois to sign the photos, a move that caused friction between the two camps.
Don Charles, Dubois’ trainer, was quick to respond, calling Usyk’s actions disingenuous. “It’s disappointing that you would stoop as low as bringing one of those photographs,” Charles said, referring to the images Usyk had presented. “You should be given an Oscar for that performance. You conned the referee. You conned us. You conned the boxing world.”
In typical Usyk fashion, the pound-for-pound star responded with a smirk, retorting, “You should teach your fighter to punch clean.” This exchange highlighted the simmering tension between the two teams as the countdown to their rematch continues.
With the low blow controversy dominating the press conference, Usyk, who appeared visibly bored with the direction the discussion had taken, decided to end the event on his terms. He abruptly stood up, thanked the media, and declared, “We’ll go to training camp. See you later.” As the conference came to an end, the two fighters shared a long face-off, with Dubois looking away from Usyk, a stark contrast to the intense moments from Monday’s promotional face-off when Dubois had pushed Usyk.
Low Blow Controversy Still Looms Large
Oleksandr Usyk read a ‘boxing lesson’ leaflet addressed to Team Dubois
The issue of the low blow still hangs over the upcoming fight, and both camps continue to argue over the legality of the punch that changed the course of the first encounter. Promoters Frank Warren and Alex Krassyuk, who were both present at the press conference, patiently waited for the fighters to arrive and took their places at the top table.
Dubois, dressed casually in a tracksuit, entered the stage with a confident jog and saluted Warren, while Usyk, ever the showman, high-fived his team and greeted the media with a bow. The Ukrainian fighter, clad in a combat-style vest, sat quietly reciting prayers and clutching rosary beads, a solemn moment before the inevitable clash of words.
Frank Warren, speaking about the controversial punch, commented, “As I sit here now, all day long that was an illegal blow. It’s not about the belt line, it’s about where the navel is.” This statement reinforced the belief in Dubois’ camp that the body shot should have been ruled as a legal blow. Meanwhile, Usyk’s focus appeared to drift as he continued mouthing his prayers, clearly uninterested in furthering the debate.
The situation escalated when Usyk got into a verbal exchange with Charles’ son, heavyweight George Fox. Usyk, who has been vocal about his patriotism and his role in defending Ukraine during the Russian invasion, suggested that Fox and others in his camp engage in a “street fight” with four members of their respective teams. Fox, who was sitting towards the back of the room, fired back, suggesting that Usyk’s demeanor indicated he was rattled ahead of the big fight.
Usyk’s Unbeaten Streak and Dubois’ Confidence
Usyk remains unbeaten in 23 professional fights, having built an impressive resume that includes victories over former heavyweight champions and Olympic gold medal honors. The 36-year-old’s technical skills and boxing IQ have made him one of the most respected fighters in the world, and his dominance in the cruiserweight division, where he held the undisputed title, has cemented his place as one of the sport’s greats.
However, Usyk’s reputation will be put to the ultimate test when he faces Dubois in July. The British heavyweight is in the form of his life, having secured eye-catching victories over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgović, and two-time world champion Anthony Joshua in his last three bouts. Dubois, who has a reputation for being a dangerous knockout artist, is eager to prove that he has the power to dethrone Usyk and claim the undisputed heavyweight crown.
“I’m on fire now,” Dubois said, his confidence radiating through his words. “I’m just pent up and ready to go. It’s going to be a bloodbath. I’m going to put all the controversy and all that nonsense to rest. I’m a man of the future.” Dubois was adamant that he has what it takes to dethrone Usyk, adding with a chuckle, “He’ll be doing a funny dance in the ring when I hit him.”
The Rematch: A Battle for Boxing’s Biggest Prize
The build-up to this rematch has been nothing short of dramatic, and with the undisputed heavyweight title on the line, the fight at Wembley Stadium promises to be one of the most exciting bouts of the year. Usyk’s mastery in the ring and Dubois’ raw power will collide in a contest that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
As the press conference came to a close, both men were fired up and ready for what promises to be a high-stakes, high-drama encounter. With all four major world titles up for grabs, Dubois’ trainer Don Charles may have spoken for many when he said, “Usyk, you may have conned the world once, but in the ring, it will be a different story.” The countdown to July 19 has begun, and there’s no doubt that this heavyweight rematch will be one for the ages.
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