Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has strongly criticized the stoppage in the recent boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.
Verhoeven had a strong showing for the majority of their 11-round bout, leading many to believe the kickboxing champion was on track for an upset victory against the pound-for-pound boxing king. Despite being knocked down in the 11th round, Verhoeven managed to beat the count.
However, the referee intervened and stopped the fight shortly after, awarding Usyk a TKO victory. Verhoeven has since confirmed that he is appealing the decision, asserting that the stoppage was premature and unfair.
Tom Aspinall, upon reviewing the footage, expressed his outrage. He stated that the fight was stopped before the round concluded and labeled the decision a “robbery.” Aspinall suggested that boxing might be resistant to athletes from other combat sports succeeding, preferring to promote those with traditional amateur boxing backgrounds.
Prominent figures like Turki Al-Sheikh also voiced similar sentiments, agreeing that the stoppage was questionable and that Verhoeven deserved a chance to continue fighting for a clearer outcome.
Tom Aspinall’s Statement (Translated and Paraphrased):
Watching the end of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven fight, Tom Aspinall declared, “They didn’t even let him make it to the end of the round. It’s a complete robbery. What is that? Boxing simply doesn’t want anyone else to win. They prefer boxers with an amateur background who win Olympic medals and then go pro undefeated. They don’t favor other combat sports. It’s nonsense.”
English Translation and Paraphrasing:
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has vehemently condemned the stoppage in the recent boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven. Verhoeven, the reigning GLORY heavyweight champion, had performed exceptionally well for most of their bout, leading many to anticipate his victory. Despite being knocked down in the eleventh round, Verhoeven managed to recover and beat the referee’s count.
However, the referee ultimately waved off the contest, resulting in a TKO win for Usyk. Verhoeven himself has since stated his intention to appeal, arguing that the stoppage was unjust. Aspinall, reacting to the fight’s conclusion, called the stoppage a “robbery” and suggested a potential bias within boxing against athletes from other combat sports.
English Translation:
Reigning UFC heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall has blasted the stoppage in Rico Verhoeven’s fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Verhoeven had been dominant for much of the bout, and fans believed he was on his way to victory. However, after being knocked down in the 11th round, the referee stopped the fight as Usyk pressed for the finish, awarding him a TKO victory. Verhoeven has since confirmed he is lodging an appeal, feeling the stoppage was unfair.
Tom Aspinall expressed his strong disagreement with the referee’s decision. He stated, “They didn’t even let him make it to the end of the round. It’s a f***ing robbery. What the f*** is that? Boxing doesn’t want anyone else to win, simple as that. They want boxers with the amateur style coming in, winning an Olympic medal, and then switching over and being unbeaten pros. They don’t like other combat sports. It’s bullsh*t.”
