Mixed Martial Arts Fighter- Professional boxer Francis Ngannou has slammed the controversial outcome of Oleksandr Usyk’s fight against Rico Verhoeven.
WBA and WBC Heavyweight Champion Usyk scored a knockout win in the 11th round over the Dutch kick boxer turned pro boxer with pundits and fans from several quarters questioning referee Mark Lyson’s decision to stop the fight. (Scroll down to watch video)
Verhoeven was tied on the scorecard with Usyk 95-95 according to two of the three judges with one judge scoring the bout 96-94 for Verhoeven at the time of the stoppage.
Usyk landed a right a uppercut and dropped Verhoeven and a flurry of punches that followed didn’t look like it had much impact on the Dutchman but the referee waved off the fight and ended the bout to the dismay of many including the commentators on duty.
Referencing his equally controversial loss to former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after crossing over to boxing, Ngannou praised Verhoeven’s performance by stating on his X page that,
“Outsiders will never win, trust me I know, but Rico was the winner tonight. Period.”
Highlights of Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza 🎞️
Glory in Giza on DAZN 🥊 pic.twitter.com/D2KGDQXwI0
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 24, 2026
