20 days ago

Rico Verhoeven Questions Oleksandr Usyk Stoppage With Class

Verhoeven stayed respectful after his Round 11 stoppage loss to Usyk, but admitted he felt the referee ended it too soon. With the bell close and scorecards nearly even, the kickboxing great wanted a chance to survive. “Let me go out on my shield, or let the bell go,” Verhoeven said, adding the decision was not his.

By Afnan Chougle

Other articles from Boxing

Francis Ngannou Backs Rico Verhoeven After Controversial Usyk Stoppage

20 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

20 days ago

Oleksandr Usyk Stops Rico Verhoeven With Cards Nearly Even

Usyk stopped Verhoeven in Round 11, escaping a fight that was razor-close before the finish. Released scorecards showed two judges had it 95-95, while one had Verhoeven ahead 96-94 entering the stoppage. The late finish spared Usyk from a tense final-round scenario and denied the kickboxing great a shocking upset on the cards after pushing boxing’s king deep.

By Afnan Chougle

Jake Paul Tells Oleksandr Usyk He Should Feel Embarrassed

20 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

20 days ago

Oleksandr Usyk Calls Anthony Joshua His ‘Big Brother’ After Rivalry

Usyk reflected on his changed relationship with Joshua, saying the former rival now feels like family after sharing two heavyweight title fights. The Ukrainian beat AJ by decision in 2021, then won their 2022 rematch to retain his belts. Now, Usyk says there is no rivalry left, calling Joshua “my big, big brother” and “my G.”

By Afnan Chougle

20 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

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