A court ruling involving the World Boxing Association has revealed Daniel Dubois should never have been given a shot at the heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Dubois was allowed an opportunity at Usyk due to being the WBA ‘Regular’ champion, a title he won from Trevor Bryan in Miami last summer. However, a new legal challenge has shown that Bryan was never eligible for the WBA status.
Usyk vs Charr
Mahmoud Charr, the champion in January 2021, was stripped by the WBA for not traveling to the United States to defend against Bryan. The Lebanese-German challenged the ruling in court and received a victory over the matter two years later.
The WBA has been forced to reinstate Charr as their original appointment of Bryan was invalid. Therefore, Bryan’s subsequent defenses against Jonathan Guidry and Dubois are also wiped out.
The ruling suggests Bryan was never the WBA heavyweight champion. Also, Charr should have been the one holding the belt. In addition, it should have been Charr who faced Usyk and not Dubois.
Court ruling
“After the fight in which Oleksandr Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois, the Ukrainian remained the only heavyweight champion. However, the organization is forced to decide to reinstate Charr as a regular champion to continue with the body’s normal operation.
“As part of a court settlement, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has reinstated Mahmoud Charr. He returns as the regular champion of the organization’s heavyweight division.
“The agreement reached ends a long dispute brought by the boxer and his team. It will allow the WBA to close this chapter, settling a dispute that has been going on for more than a year.
“The judicial agreement constitutes a temporary decision of the organization. This has been taken in the best spirit of overcoming a difference that prevented the WBA from moving forward in its plans.”
Another story is whether this will have a bearing on an appeal by Dubois after he was stopped late by Usyk. Dubois is contesting a low blow that he and his team believe was a legal punch.
Usyk sat on the floor, claiming testicular pain for almost four minutes. This led to Dubois and his promoter fascinatingly stating they should be awarded a knockout.
However, that notion was rendered obsolete. Usyk stated he would have stood up if the referee, Luis Pabon, had begun counting.
Dubois appeal
Nonetheless, the WBA confirmed receipt of an appeal this week.
“Daniel Dubois’ team sent a formal appeal for last August 26 fight, in which he lost by knockout in nine rounds against Oleksandr Usyk in Wrocław, Poland.
“The WBA has received a formal appeal from Dubois’ team. It will proceed with a review as per the regulations.
“Any decision made regarding this situation will be made under WBA rules and communicated promptly and appropriately.”
Charr’s ruling could significantly affect the outcome. Usyk and his team could also bring it into the appeal equation.
Finally, should Charr keep hold of the title for a considerable time, Usyk will also have to defend it against the new ruler.
It seems unfair that two challengers would come from an invalid decision over one champion’s reign.
The views expressed in this article are the opinions of experienced boxing writer Phil Jay.
