Tyson Fury mocks Usyk over low blow controversy

Ezra Samuel

WBC world champion Tyson Fury has added a fashionable twist to the controversy surrounding Oleksandr Usyk’s recent victory, playfully ridiculing Usyk by sporting a notably high pair of shorts and branding him with the moniker “Soft Belly.”

Usyk’s return to the squared circle on August 26 against Daniel Dubois was far from ordinary. The Ukrainian successfully defended an impressive array of titles – the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles – after a ninth-round knockout of Dubois. However, what should have been a routine bout became a talking point due to a contentious moment.

In the fifth round, Dubois unleashed a devastating body shot that sent Usyk sprawling to the canvas. Struggling to rise, Usyk seemed on the brink of defeat. Nevertheless, the shot was ruled as a low blow, granting Usyk valuable time to recuperate. Usyk was subsequently able to continue the bout and ultimately triumphed over Dubois.

The perceived low blow transformed into a major point of contention. Many argue that the shot was not a low blow and that Dubois should have been awarded the victory, particularly after Dubois’ team asserted that the referee had indicated punches to the belt-line were permissible. Dubois himself expressed his frustration, believing he had been unjustly denied victory, declaring, “I didn’t think that was a low blow. I thought that landed, and I’ve been cheated out of victory tonight.”

On the contrary, Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, offered a different perspective, explaining that the defining line was not the beltline but rather the belly button. He contended, “The belly button is the line. Anything low of that is a low blow.”

Despite the debate, Usyk emerged as the victor and successfully defended his impressive collection of titles. However, a showdown with his longtime rival Tyson Fury, who holds the WBC title, still awaits. In response to the controversy, Fury opted for a playful approach.

Taking to his Instagram account, Tyson Fury posted an image of himself sporting unusually high boxer shorts. He playfully labeled the photo a “Kit Leak” and appended the hashtag “Soft Belly” in a lighthearted jab at Usyk.

Fury’s decision to pursue a lucrative bout with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, rather than a unification match against Oleksandr Usyk, sparked criticism from many fans. Fury, however, maintains that he attempted to arrange a match with Usyk, but negotiations ultimately faltered.