Backstage footage shows Daniel Dubois' trainer asking the referee to check Oleksandr Usyk's groin guard before controversial low blow

Daniel Dubois' trainer Don Charles was so concerned about the positioning of Oleksandr Usyk's groin guard that he asked the referee about it before the controversial bout.

Over the weekend, Usyk and Dubois clashed in Poland in a battle for the unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight world titles.

And it was the Ukrainian who came out on top, securing a ninth round stoppage victory.

But, the win was marred by controversy, as four rounds earlier, Dubois had dropped Usyk with an attempted body shot.

However it was ruled as a low blow by the referee and the champion was allowed almost four minutes to recover.

After the fight, Dubois said he was 'cheated' out of victory, while Charles raged after watching a replay in the the ring, shouting: "How is that low?"

Early in the fight, it was clear that one of Dubois' tactics was to slow Usyk down by targeting the body, which proved effective.

And it seems Charles had some concerns that controversy might arise as he asked the referee before the fight to check on the positioning of Usyk's groin guard.

Footage emerged of the referee backstage with Dubois and his trainer Charles, having gone over the rules, as is customary before any boxing bout.

The referee then asked if there were any questions and Charles responded: "Basically with the groin guard for our opponent, I know the rules, but we don't want it above where it should be."

Team Dubois with the referee before the Usyk fight pic.twitter.com/uurpTiImdH

It was then confirmed by the referee that he would check that when he went over to Usyk's dressing room.

As for what's next, Dubois' promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that they will be contacting the WBA to appeal the result and they hope to get a rematch.

He told talkSPORT on Monday: "Although all the belts were on the line in the fight, it was the WBA's turn as far as their mandatory is concerned.

"So what we'll do, is we'll collate our photographic and video evidence and present it to them and present what was said at the rules meeting determining what were legal and what were illegal blows and they'll have to make a decision.

"I'd like them to declare it a no contest because Daniel should have those three belts around his waist, but if we can get it to a rematch then that's where we'll get to."