The British boxing rule that saved Daniel Dubois in a knockout win over Kevin Lerena

Daniel Dubois rose from the canvas three times in the first round last night to stop Kevin Lerena in the third – thus retaining his WBA (regular) heavyweight title. But there was great confusion among fans after the fight as to whether the contest should have been allowed to continue under WBA rules.

The main sanctioning body has a three-knockdown rule, which means that if a fighter is knocked down three times in a round, the fight will automatically end via TKO.

"It is critical to note that in fights governed by WBA rules, three (3) knockdowns in the same round automatically end the fight by TKO. Additionally, WBA rules specify that the bell cannot save the fighter in ANY round,” reads .

However, the British Boxing Board of Control does not allow the rule in fights under their auspices, allowing Dubois to launch his fiery comeback. Dubois now finds himself in a privileged position to face the winner of the proposed undisputed fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

According to the sanctioning body rotation system, the WBA is next in line to push its challenger for the unified titles held by Usyk (WBA, WBO and IBF), with the last two mandataries being the champion himself via the WBO and Kubrat Pulev via the IBF.

Dubois' lesser WBA title entitles him to face Usyk in a so-called "WBA unification contest". But all this on the condition that the Briton can return to the ring anytime soon.

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In the first knockdown, Triple D appeared to land awkwardly on his leg, and is expected to have damaged ligaments in his knee judging by the swelling after the fight.

Talking about the injury, Dubois' trainer, Shane McGuigan, said after the fight, "You can see it on his leg, it's really swollen, there was no strength there when he was throwing punches in round 1. His knee was flexing, we'll have to go get a scan, but it's sink or swim in those situations and he swam tonight."

When asked how long Dubois might be out of the ring, McGuigan replied, "Normally a ligament takes a bit of time, but we have a great medical team and we will assess the damage."

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