Anthony Joshua drops surprising verdict on Usyk vs Verhoeven stoppage controversy
· Yahoo Sports
Oleksandr Usyk’s win over Rico Verhoeven was expected to be routine, but the Dutch kickboxing great turned it into a serious scare.
Verhoeven troubled the undisputed heavyweight champion with awkward pressure and heavy right hands, making the fight far more competitive than many expected.
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Usyk eventually forced an 11th-round stoppage, but the referee’s decision to step in so close to the bell quickly became the main talking point.
Anthony Joshua apparently disagree on Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven stoppage
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty ImagesA video shared by Boxing News showed Anthony Joshua being asked whether he thought Verhoeven was ahead on the scorecards before the stoppage.
Joshua did not commit to that view, replying: “Good question. I don’t know. Good fight though.”
However, when asked whether the Dutchman should have been given the chance to continue instead of the referee stepping in, Joshua was much clearer, as he answered: “Definitely.”
That short response carried weight because Joshua has grown close to Usyk since returning to training after being involved in a car crash in December.
Their friendship has become one of boxing’s more unexpected stories, with the former rivals spending time together as ‘AJ’ worked his way back physically and mentally.
Even so, Joshua did not avoid giving an honest opinion on a stoppage that many felt denied Verhoeven the chance to reach the final round.
Usyk kept his unbeaten record, but Verhoeven left with his reputation enhanced. Joshua’s reaction only adds to the feeling that the finish will remain disputed.
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