December 3 in London (England) local champion WBA World heavyweight Daniel Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) made his debut defense of the title – not without scandal passed the ex-cruiser from South Africa Kevin Leren (28-2, 14 KOs).
In the opening round, Dubois injured his knee and was on canvas three times. The timekeeper secured the fighter – he completed the three-minute period a few seconds earlier.
The champion managed to pull himself together during the break, seized the initiative and timed the opponent in the 3rd round. At the same time, one of the blows came after the gong, and the referee did not give the African a chance to recover during the break, immediately ending the fight.
Lerena’s promoter is shocked threatens to sue.
And here’s how it happened commented
outrageous columnist Teddy Atlas: “Thank God that the right opponent was chosen as Dubois’s rivals – a completely green one, albeit with a good record. It is clear that he was not a high level. After all, a high-level fighter would definitely finish off Dubois. So if you’re a Dubois fan, don’t forget to thank God.”
Atlas did not forget about the referee either: “Let’s be honest. If in the first round, not Dubois, but Lerena was in such a state and took the knee three times, then what are the chances that the referee would continue the fight, and not stop it immediately? Here in this then and a business. Here everything simpler steamed turnips. And this is the whole truth. Although I would still give credit to Dubois for his courage and endurance.
Immediately after this victory, the WBA ordered a duel between Dubois and the owner of the main belt of the organization (WBA Super) Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk. But in the near future it will not take place – Briton does not yet claim this fight – and there are reasons for that.
