Big-time favorite Oleksandr Usyk retains heavyweight titles with stoppage of Daniel Dubois, but debatable "low blow" can't be ignored

At Tarczynski Arena in Wrocław, Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBA, WBO, and IBF heavyweight titles by stopping Daniel Dubois on Saturday night. 

The time was 48 seconds into round nine

Usyk’s win was expected,  but round five and a borderline body shot will probably be discussed for years. 

In round one, southpaw Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) fired jabs. Dubois (19-2, 18 KOs) jabbed back. Usyk bobbed and feinted. A Dubois right was blocked. Usyk to the body.

Usyk’s fine boxing was on display in round two. His right-hand jab scored. A straight left clipped Dubois. And another. Usyk back to the body. Dubois scored with an uppercut. 

In round three, Usyk, bouncing, moved to his left and boxed. Usyk scored with a well-placed jab. A one-two landed. Dubois scored to the body and head. Usyk caught Dubois with a right at the bell. Dubois attacked with a hook in round four. Usyk worked and landed. Dubois scored with a short right. Usyk jabbed. 

Usyk got off first in round five. A right hand sent Usyk to the canvas. The referee ruled the shot low. Debatable. The champion got up in obvious discomfort. The time needed was close to four minutes. Dubois went after Usyk. Usyk stepped in and scored with a hard left. 

Dubois came out punching in round six. Usyk boxed. He landed a combination. Dubois took it. Dubois scored to the body. Usyk probed. Dubois landed a left to the ribs. Usyk got off first in round seven. Usyk went to the body of Dubois. Another body shot from Dubois bothered Usyk. Seconds later, Usyk landed a half dozen shots to the chin. Dubois hung tough.

In round eight, Usyk came out punching. Dubois scored with a right to the chin. A short left from Usyk had to sting. Dubois went back to the belly. Usyk fired an uppercut. A combination sent Dubois to his knees. The challenger beat the count. 

Dubois surprised Usyk with a right. Usyk landed various shots. He was intent on ending the fight. Dubois stayed upright for the moment. But not much longer. A short right sent him to the canvas. Dubois didn’t beat the count.