The deputy speaker of the State Duma of Russia, former world boxing champion Nikolai Valuev, weighs in on the Usyk vs. Dubois showdown. He suggests that supporters of Usyk and Dubois might back the controversial moment in the bout, specifically a belt-shot that could fuel a desire for revenge, as reported by Sports Express.
Valuev expressed a clear stance: he believes Usyk earned the victory and deserved the outcome of the fight. He argued that the result reflected a cleaner performance from Usyk, noting that the challenger aimed to win by more than just a dramatic punch to the head. The former heavyweight champion warned that the controversy surrounding the moment would persist unless the organizers show a willingness to address it openly and provoke a real sense of revenge in the storyline, so to speak.
The match concluded in a decisive moment for the Ukrainian challenger, with Usyk delivering a knockout in the ninth round. At the moment the referee reached ten, Dubois lay on the canvas and could not rise in time to continue the contest. Earlier in the bout, the British contender had managed a brief, light blow to Usyk in the fifth round, which prompted a pause but did not derail Usyk from pursuing the win once play resumed.
By securing victory, Usyk remained the holder of world titles across multiple major sanctioning bodies: the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the World Boxing Organization (WBO), the International Boxing Organization (IBO), and the World Boxing Association (WBA). The win marked Usyk’s 21st professional victory and extended an undefeated streak that has defined his career to date, reinforcing his status among the sport’s elite heavyweights.
In the wake of the defeat, Dubois has already begun to carry the narrative of the fight into the public eye. Some observers in Britain noted how the bout’s controversial moment could shape the next chapters of public discussion about the fighters, the scoring, and the potential for rematch scenarios. As Usyk continues to build his legacy with undisputed credentials and a broad fan base, pundits and followers alike anticipate what moves will come next—whether a fresh challenge awaits in the heavyweight division or a strategic move into a different path for the Ukrainian champion.
Valuev’s remarks underscore how the sport often blends athletic performance with momentary controversy, turning specific exchanges into talking points that outlive the ring. His perspective reflects a broader view held by many observers who see boxing narratives as equally important as the technical display inside the ropes. This viewpoint invites fans to consider not just the knockout itself, but the larger context—how decisions, timing, and the possibility of a returned bout can shape a fighter’s career for years to come. The conversation around the fight thus continues, with supporters and critics weighing in on what happened and what it could mean for future matchups in the heavyweight landscape.