The boxing and mixed martial arts world is abuzz with dissatisfaction following the conclusion of the heavyweight boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, which took place in Giza, Egypt.
Rico Verhoeven, stepping into the boxing ring with significantly less experience than the unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk, defied expectations. The “King of Kickboxing” displayed impressive skill throughout the fight, landing cleaner and more impactful blows in most rounds and preventing Usyk from asserting dominance.
However, in the 11th round, the veteran Ukrainian, Usyk, managed to turn the tide by knocking down Verhoeven with a powerful combination. Although Verhoeven beat the count, Usyk immediately pressed his advantage, securing a TKO victory with a subsequent flurry of punches.
The fight’s ending has become a major point of contention, with many debating whether the referee prematurely halted the bout before the final bell of the 11th round or if the stoppage occurred after the preceding round had concluded. Verhoeven has publicly expressed his displeasure with the outcome and has initiated an appeal.
Following the fight, numerous boxers, MMA personalities, and fans voiced their opinions, suggesting that Rico Verhoeven was winning the bout and that the referee’s intervention in the 11th round was unwarranted. Many felt that the challenger had outboxed Usyk for the majority of the fight and deserved to continue. Some also strongly believe the referee’s stoppage occurred after the bell had sounded.
Prominent Figures Voice Criticism of the Referee’s Decision in Usyk vs. Verhoeven
Jake Paul took to social media platform X to express his disappointment:
“I truly love boxing, and what happened tonight seriously makes me sad. The sport and the fans deserve better.”
Shakur Stevenson shared a similar sentiment:
“I can’t believe what I’m watching.”
MMA commentator Dovy posted:
“Rewatching this again, this must be some sort of corruption, how the f*ck does an experienced referee actually stop this???”
Ariel Helwani commented:
“That’s an absolute disgraceful stoppage. Rico got jobbed. What the hell.”
Plinio Cruz stated:
“What a very bad stoppage! #ricovsusyk”
Derek Brunson also highlighted the controversial stoppage:
“Today I witnessed a man get TKO after the bell.”
Dillon Danis voiced his strong support for Rico Verhoeven, stating:
“That was the most rigged sh*t I’ve ever seen. Never watching boxing again. What a fu*king joke of a sport. Rico Verhoeven just schooled one of the best boxers in the world and still got robbed. F*ck boxing, he won that fight.”
Anthony Joshua also opined that the stoppage was premature.
Nina-Marie Daniele, however, praised Oleksandr Usyk:
“USYK is the GOAT! WOW!”
Other notable reactions to the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven bout include:
Francis Ngannou: “Outsiders will never win, trust me I know, but Rico was the winner tonight. Period.”
Canelo Alvarez: “I don’t think [that was early]. They saved Rico from the knockout.”
THE MMA GURU: “Stoppage was bullshit, boxing is bullshit, gay, lame, baby sport. Rico was not ‘up 10-1’ he was ahead by a round or 2 & after a 10-8 in 11, likely would lose by decision.”
Oleksandr Usyk: “They say it was tense watching my fight with Rico. Guys, I just didn’t want you to be bored, come on.”
Ryan Garcia: “And just like that OVER. one punch can change everything.”
Ring Magazine: “Rico Verhoeven tells The Ring he was shocked when the referee stopped his fight against Oleksandr Usyk.”
Luke Thomas: “That’s up there with one of the worst boxing stoppages I’ve ever seen.”
Belal Muhammad: “Boxing is so corrupt.”
GLORY Kickboxing: “#JusticeForRico”
