World renowned referee explained the Usyk – Dubois controversy

The boxing world still seems divided on whether Daniel Dubois’ right hand punch against Oleksandr Usyk should have been ruled a below-the-belt punch.

The hit appeared to land in the lower half of Usyk’s belt line, sending the Ukrainian to the ground. Referee Luis Pabon immediately ruled the kick illegal and allowed Usyk more than three minutes to recover.

Respected referee Jack Rice, who is known for refereeing Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder’s first world title fight, spoke to the DAZN Boxing Show about the decision and tried to shed some light on what is and isn’t a blow below the belt.

“Everyone’s navel is different, some are lower and some are higher. So you can’t use the navel. The hip line is the low point – the navel has nothing to do with it,” declared Rice.

Clear knockdown actual robbery #UsykDubois pic.twitter.com/BacU2r3Yll

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“A low strike is any time the majority of the glove is below the hip line. It is legal at the thigh line and does not become illegal until most of the glove starts to descend below it. That’s why we identify the hip line for everyone before a fight – that’s the line, don’t hit below it.”

Usyk was able to take full control of the fight after the incident and began to slowly wear down the young Brit, eventually scoring a ninth-round knockout victory.