Oleksandr Usyk Carried Ukraine Fear Into Rico Verhoeven Fight

21 days ago

Oleksandr Usyk Carried Ukraine Fear Into Rico Verhoeven Fight

Usyk said he entered the Verhoeven fight with Ukraine’s war weighing on him, knowing his people and family were in bomb shelters. After his Round 11 win, he revealed his daughter messaged, “Papa, I love you. You win,” while sheltering from bombing. Usyk admitted he felt afraid, then praised Verhoeven as “an amazing fighter.”

By Afnan Chougle

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21 days ago

Canelo Alvarez Defends Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven Stoppage

Alvarez pushed back on claims Verhoeven’s Round 11 stoppage loss to Usyk came too early, saying the referee prevented a worse finish. Verhoeven wanted the chance to survive to the bell, with scorecards nearly even before the stoppage. But Canelo disagreed, saying, “I don’t think that was early. They saved Rico from the knockout.”

By Afnan Chougle

Belal Muhammad Slams Boxing After Rico Verhoeven Stoppage

21 days ago

Belal Muhammad Slams Boxing After Rico Verhoeven Stoppage

Muhammad ripped boxing after Verhoeven’s controversial Round 11 stoppage loss to Usyk, writing, “Boxing is so corrupt.” The former UFC champion reacted as fighters blasted the referee for ending it near the bell, with scorecards nearly even before the finish. Verhoeven, a kickboxing great in just his second pro boxing bout, had pushed Usyk deep.

By Afnan Chougle

21 days ago

Oleksandr Usyk Reveals Daughter’s Bomb-Shelter Text After Rico Verhoeven Win

Usyk thanked Verhoeven after their tough fight, but turned emotional while discussing Ukraine. Speaking in Egypt, he said his people remain “under bombs” and revealed his daughter texted from a bomb shelter: “Dad, congratulations, but I’m scared.” Usyk praised Rico, his team and wife Kateryna, then said he didn’t chase Round 11 drama: “I just box.”

By Afnan Chougle

Jake Paul Tells Oleksandr Usyk He Should Feel Embarrassed

21 days ago

Jake Paul Tells Oleksandr Usyk He Should Feel Embarrassed

Paul ripped Usyk after the controversial Round 11 stoppage over Verhoeven, saying the boxing champion should not feel like he truly won. The reaction followed scorecards showing two judges even and one ahead for Verhoeven before the finish. “Usyk I love you but you should never feel like you won this fight. Embarrassing,” Paul wrote.

By Afnan Chougle

Francis Ngannou Backs Rico Verhoeven After Controversial Usyk Stoppage

21 days ago

Francis Ngannou Backs Rico Verhoeven After Controversial Usyk Stoppage

Ngannou showed support for Verhoeven after Usyk’s debated Round 11 stoppage, writing, “Outsiders will never win, trust me, I know.” The line echoed Ngannou’s own 2023 boxing debut, when he knocked down Fury but lost a controversial split decision. Verhoeven had argued that the referee stopped his fight early, with scorecards nearly even before the finish.

By Afnan Chougle

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