Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has strongly criticized the stoppage in the boxing match between Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk.
In a recent heavyweight boxing bout near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Verhoeven put on a surprising performance against the renowned pound-for-pound boxing king, Usyk, dominating for the majority of 11 rounds. The Dutch fighter appeared sharp and maintained his stamina throughout the contest, leading many to believe that the longest-reigning GLORY heavyweight champion was on track for a victory and the WBC heavyweight title in only his second professional boxing appearance.
However, the tide turned in the 11th round when Oleksandr Usyk landed a significant blow that sent Rico Verhoeven to the canvas. Although Verhoeven managed to beat the referee’s count, the fight was controversially waved off by the referee as Usyk pressed for a finish with a barrage of heavy punches. Despite Verhoeven remaining on his feet, the stoppage resulted in a TKO victory for Usyk.
Following the bout, Verhoeven announced via his social media channels that he has filed an appeal, asserting that the stoppage was unfair.
The decision to stop the fight has drawn significant debate, with some arguing it occurred after the final bell of the 11th round. Others contend that given Verhoeven’s dominance in most of the preceding rounds, he should have been allowed to continue fighting in the final round rather than having the bout stopped prematurely.
Tom Aspinall has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the stoppage. In a recent video clip, while reacting to the fight, the British fighter stated:
“They don’t even let him make it to the end of the round. It’s a fu*king robbery. What the f**k 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.”
Prominent figures such as Turki Al-Sheikh have echoed Tom Aspinall’s sentiments regarding the controversial stoppage.
English Translation:
Reigning UFC heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall has vehemently condemned the stoppage in the recent boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.
In a surprising turn of events over the past weekend, Verhoeven showcased impressive boxing skills against Usyk, the reigning pound-for-pound boxing champion. For most of their 11-round heavyweight bout held near the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, Verhoeven appeared sharp and maintained his energy, leading many fans to believe that the longest-reigning GLORY heavyweight champion was poised to win and claim the WBC heavyweight title in just his second professional boxing fight.
However, in the 11th round, Oleksandr Usyk landed a powerful shot that knocked Rico Verhoeven down. Although the 37-year-old managed to get back up before the count of ten, the referee intervened and stopped the fight as Usyk pursued a finish with a flurry of heavy punches. Even though the “King of Kickboxing” was still standing, the official waved off the contest, awarding Usyk a TKO victory.
Following his defeat, Verhoeven confirmed on his social media platforms that he has filed an appeal, asserting that the stoppage was unjust.
The controversial ending has sparked debate, with some believing the bout was stopped after the 11th round concluded, while others argue that considering Verhoeven’s performance throughout the majority of the rounds, he should have been given the opportunity to fight the final round rather than having the contest stopped prematurely.
Even UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has expressed his strong disapproval of how the fight was concluded. In a recent video, while watching the bout and reacting to the stoppage, the British fighter stated:
“They don’t even let him make it to the end of the round. It’s a fu*king robbery. What the f**k 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.”
Prominent figures such as Turki Al-Sheikh have also shared sentiments similar to Tom Aspinall’s regarding the controversial stoppage.