The boxing world was thrown into turmoil just hours ago, around 08:30 AM +07 on Sunday, July 20, 2025, following a shocking revelation that has ignited a fierce controversy in the aftermath of last night’s heavyweight title clash. Daniel Dubois, the British IBF heavyweight champion, has come forward with explosive accusations, exposing what he claims are dirty tactics employed by Oleksandr Usyk and blowing the lid off an alleged referee corruption scandal that marred their rematch at Wembley Stadium. The stunning claims, made during a heated post-fight press conference, have sent shockwaves through the sport, casting a dark shadow over Usyk’s fifth-round knockout victory and raising serious questions about the integrity of the officiating in one of boxing’s most anticipated bouts.
Dubois, visibly frustrated after his defeat, took aim at Usyk, alleging that the Ukrainian champion resorted to underhanded strategies to secure the win. “He’s been playing dirty all along,” Dubois declared, his voice trembling with anger. “Last night wasn’t just about skill—it was about tricks, holding, and leaning on me to slow me down. I felt it every round.” The 27-year-old fighter pointed to specific moments in the fight, insisting that Usyk’s use of his elbows and forearms to disrupt his rhythm went unnoticed by officials, giving the Ukrainian an unfair edge. This accusation echoes sentiments from their first encounter in August 2023, where a controversial low-blow call allowed Usyk to recover and ultimately knock out Dubois in the ninth round. Dubois’s camp had long contested that decision, and his latest claims suggest a pattern of perceived misconduct.
The scandal deepened when Dubois turned his attention to the referee, accusing the official of complicity in what he described as a rigged outcome. “The referee was in Usyk’s pocket,” he asserted, alleging that critical fouls were overlooked or misjudged to favor the 38-year-old champion. He specifically cited the fifth round, where Usyk’s decisive knockout came after a flurry of punches, including a right hook that Dubois claims was preceded by an illegal clinch that went unpenalized. “I was set up to lose,” Dubois added, hinting at possible external pressures influencing the referee’s decisions. The accusation has reignited debates from the 2023 fight, where referee Luis Pabon’s ruling on a low blow sparked outrage among Dubois’s team, who believed it cost him a legitimate victory.
The timing of these revelations, coming mere hours after Usyk’s triumph, has amplified their impact. Last night, Usyk dominated the Wembley crowd of 90,000, dropping Dubois twice in the fifth round to reclaim the undisputed heavyweight title with a TKO at 1:52. The victory marked his second time as undisputed champion, a feat that had been celebrated as a testament to his skill and resilience. However, Dubois’s accusations have shifted the narrative, with fans and analysts now questioning whether the win was tainted. Social media buzz reflects the divide, with some dismissing Dubois’s claims as sour grapes, while others demand a thorough investigation into the officiating.
Usyk’s camp has yet to respond directly to the allegations, but his promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, issued a brief statement praising the fighter’s performance and dismissing the controversy as “baseless noise.” This silence has only fueled speculation, with some pointing to the Ukrainian’s stoic demeanor during the fight—where he appeared to exploit Dubois’s aggression with calculated counters—as evidence supporting the dirty tactics claim. Meanwhile, the referee, Mike Griffin, who stopped the bout, has not commented, leaving the boxing community awaiting an official statement from the UFC or the British Boxing Board of Control.
The scandal threatens to overshadow Usyk’s historic achievement and Dubois’s resilience, having risen from the 2023 defeat to knock out Anthony Joshua in 2024. Dubois’s recent form, including wins over Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller, had positioned him as a serious contender, making his loss—and these allegations—all the more dramatic. Critics argue that his accusations could be a desperate attempt to salvage his reputation, while supporters see them as a courageous stand against perceived injustice in a sport often plagued by controversy.
As the dust settles, the call for transparency grows louder. Fans are demanding footage reviews and an independent inquiry into the referee’s decisions, with some pointing to the 2023 low-blow incident as a precedent for concern. The outcome could have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to sanctions or a rematch if corruption is substantiated. For now, the boxing world watches with bated breath, torn between celebrating Usyk’s dominance and grappling with the unsettling possibility that last night’s fight was not what it seemed. The truth behind Dubois’s shocking revelation remains elusive, but it has undeniably turned a night of triumph into a battleground of trust.