In the world of heavyweight boxing, controversy is never far from the spotlight. Few recent moments have sparked as much debate as the now-infamous body punch landed by Daniel Dubois on Oleksandr Usyk during their August 2023 showdown. The fifth-round blow, which appeared to many as a clean shot to the midsection, was ruled a low blow by the referee—giving Usyk crucial recovery time. While the Ukrainian champion ultimately stopped Dubois in the ninth round, fans and pundits alike have questioned the legitimacy of that turning point. As calls for a rematch grow louder, the boxing world is left asking: does Dubois deserve another shot, and can that one controversial moment be the key to changing everything in the rematch?

This article explores Dubois’ controversial first meeting with Usyk, his current momentum, the role of governing bodies, and how a rematch might unfold differently if the same opportunity presents itself again.

The Infamous Body Shot: Was It Legal or Low?

The controversy centers around the fifth round of Dubois’ 2023 challenge for Usyk’s unified heavyweight titles. In a fight where Dubois was widely considered the underdog, the British slugger landed a thunderous shot to Usyk’s midsection that sent the Ukrainian champion crumpling to the canvas. However, instead of being ruled a knockdown or knockout punch, referee Luis Pabon ruled the blow a low blow. Usyk was given nearly four minutes to recover, after which he resumed the fight and gradually regained control.

Replays have been scrutinized from every angle. Dubois’ team argued passionately that the punch was legal, landing on the beltline—a traditionally gray area in boxing. Usyk’s defenders insist the blow strayed below the belt, justifying the referee’s decision. What makes this moment so pivotal is the momentum swing it created. Had the shot been ruled legal, Dubois may have scored a career-defining knockout and captured the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles.

Instead, the narrative became one of missed opportunity and referee discretion. But the debate refuses to die—and it’s fueling calls for a Dubois vs. Usyk rematch.

Why Daniel Dubois Deserves a Rematch

There are several compelling arguments for giving Daniel Dubois another chance at Usyk. Firstly, his performance in the first bout was far from one-sided. Despite being outboxed in stretches, Dubois showed composure, power, and flashes of tactical intelligence that surprised many observers. The controversial punch changed the trajectory of the fight, and it’s fair to say that if ruled differently, the result might have been entirely different.

Secondly, Dubois is still young—only in his mid-twenties—and improving. Since the Usyk loss, he’s re-dedicated himself in the gym, focusing on tightening his defense, improving footwork, and refining his jab. He’s also remained active, avoiding long layoffs and showing a willingness to fight tough opposition.

Thirdly, from a business and promotional standpoint, a rematch sells. The controversy alone is a built-in storyline. Add in the fact that Usyk is aging and may soon vacate his belts, and there’s a narrow window where this rematch could still carry significant weight for fans and broadcasters alike. Promoter Frank Warren has hinted at behind-the-scenes efforts to line up a second fight, especially if title politics work in Dubois’ favor.

Frank Warren’s Masterplan and the WBA Factor

Frank Warren, the longtime promoter of Daniel Dubois, is no stranger to navigating the murky waters of boxing politics. After the Usyk fight, Warren immediately went to the media, insisting the body shot was legitimate and that the fight result should be overturned. While the official result stood, Warren’s campaign wasn’t just about the short term. He likely had an eye on the long game: creating enough public demand and political pressure to open the door for a rematch.

The WBA (World Boxing Association), which sanctions one of Usyk’s belts, has been central to this strategy. Dubois was their “regular” champion before facing Usyk and losing. With Usyk’s ongoing battles with Tyson Fury and other contenders, the WBA may soon mandate title defenses or even strip belts if mandatories aren’t fulfilled. This creates an opportunity for Dubois to either be named a mandatory challenger again—or even fight for a vacant title if Usyk steps away from the division.

In other words, Warren is working the chessboard behind the scenes. And if he succeeds, we could see Dubois vs. Usyk II become a reality within the next 12 months.

Usyk’s Perspective: Is a Rematch Worth the Risk?

From Usyk’s viewpoint, the Dubois rematch is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers the chance to silence critics and prove once and for all that the fifth-round controversy was inconsequential. On the other hand, it presents real risk. Dubois has already shown he can hurt Usyk to the body—an area that has occasionally looked vulnerable during the Ukrainian’s rise through the heavyweight ranks.

Usyk is currently focused on unifying the division against Tyson Fury. But after that, assuming he wins or doesn’t retire, he’ll need to consider his next move. Facing Dubois again may not carry the same prestige as battling Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder, but it could offer a solid payday and a shot at redemption from the controversy. And for a meticulous tactician like Usyk, cleaning up unfinished business might be appealing.

Still, Usyk is a calculated fighter, and if he believes Dubois presents real danger, he may opt to vacate belts and let others fight for them. That would be a win for Dubois, but it wouldn’t provide the closure fans are hoping for.

What Changes in the Rematch? The Evolution of Dubois

Let’s assume the rematch happens—what would be different the second time around?

First, Daniel Dubois’ mental toughness has improved. After the Joe Joyce loss in 2020, many questioned whether Dubois had the psychological steel to succeed at the top level. But in the Usyk fight, even in defeat, he showed he could take shots, regroup, and continue competing. That experience, combined with the backlash from the controversial ruling, has likely toughened him mentally.

Second, Dubois has been refining his technical skills. He’s been seen training with experienced coaches focusing on combinations, foot placement, and defensive awareness—areas that need to be razor-sharp against a mover like Usyk. Dubois knows that landing one body shot won’t be enough this time. He’ll need a consistent, intelligent body attack and a tighter defense.

Third, the pressure dynamic shifts. In the first fight, Usyk had the edge in experience and expectations. In the rematch, that pressure may weigh more heavily. Dubois has already seen what worked and what didn’t. Usyk, meanwhile, must prepare for a more confident, more desperate version of the same opponent—an opponent who nearly ended his title reign with one punch.

Fan and Media Support: Momentum Is Building

Boxing fans are notoriously passionate and opinionated. While some dismissed Dubois’ performance against Usyk as another example of a young fighter being outclassed, many others saw something different: an evolving fighter who came within seconds of pulling off a massive upset. That groundswell of support has only intensified as media outlets continue to replay the body shot and debate its legality.

Prominent boxing voices, including Carl Froch, Johnny Nelson, and even rival promoters, have acknowledged that the punch was at least borderline and that a rematch would be justified. That kind of media validation matters—it shapes public perception and increases the likelihood of sanctioning bodies stepping in.

The more the conversation stays alive, the more pressure there is for boxing’s decision-makers to act. And as of now, the narrative is clearly favoring a rematch.