Daniel Dubois’ trainer Don Charles has accused Oleksandr Usyk of deceiving the boxing world during their controversial 2023 bout, as tensions rose ahead of the fighters’ upcoming rematch for the undisputed heavyweight title on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
The pair first met in August 2023, where Usyk retained his titles via a ninth-round stoppage. The fight’s most disputed moment came in the fifth round when Dubois knocked Usyk to the canvas with a body shot that was ruled a low blow, giving the Ukrainian time to recover.
At a heated press conference on Tuesday, Charles insisted the punch was legitimate and claimed Usyk faked the severity of the injury to gain an advantage.
“You should have won an Oscar,” Charles said, directly addressing the Ukrainian. “You conned the referee, you conned us, and you conned the boxing world. You pride yourself as a God-fearing man — ‘Thou shalt not lie’ — so I ask, what God do you worship?”
Charles declared the upcoming bout a mission of redemption for Dubois, who he said is determined to avenge the loss and prove himself on the biggest stage.
Usyk, who became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era by defeating Tyson Fury last May, has since vacated the IBF belt. Dubois now holds that title following his knockout win over Anthony Joshua later that year.
Usyk’s camp brought printed photos of the controversial low blow to the press event. Responding with humour and calm, the 38-year-old champion quipped, “I believe in Jesus and I deserve an Oscar. Teach your fighter to fight clean. I’ll beat him with my right hand — a jab will be enough.”
Dubois, 27, who has secured three victories since that defeat, said he is ready to settle the score.
“I was robbed, but it’s in the past,” said Dubois. “Now I get the chance to fix it. I’m ready for war. It’s going to be a bloodbath — I want to show the world I’m the future of this division.”
