Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has voiced his strong disapproval of the referee’s decision to stop the recent boxing match between Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk.
In a widely discussed heavyweight boxing bout held near the Pyramids of Giza, Verhoeven appeared to be dominating the pound-for-pound boxing king, Usyk, for the majority of the 11 rounds. The Dutch kickboxing legend displayed sharp form and maintained his energy throughout the fight, leading many fans to believe he was on his way to a victory in only his second professional boxing appearance, potentially capturing the WBC heavyweight title.
However, the tide turned in the 11th round when Oleksandr Usyk landed a significant blow that knocked Rico Verhoeven down. Although Verhoeven managed to beat the count, the referee intervened and stopped the fight shortly after the action resumed, awarding Usyk a TKO victory despite “The King of Kickboxing” remaining on his feet.
Following the controversial conclusion, Verhoeven confirmed via social media that he has filed an appeal, asserting that the stoppage was unwarranted.
Aspinall expressed his frustration after witnessing the fight. In a video clip, 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.”
The sentiment is shared by others, including Turki Al-Sheikh, who also believes the stoppage was premature.
Tom Aspinall’s Reaction to the Usyk vs. Verhoeven Stoppage
English Translation:
Tom Aspinall has expressed outrage over the stoppage in the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven fight, calling it a “robbery.” He believes the referee’s decision was unfair and suggests a bias within boxing against practitioners from other combat sports.
Tom Aspinall Calls Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Stoppage a “Robbery” After Shocking TKO Finish
English Translation:
Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has sharply criticized the stoppage in Rico Verhoeven’s bout against Oleksandr Usyk.
Last weekend, Verhoeven surprised many by outperforming boxing’s pound-for-pound king, Usyk, for the majority of their 11-round heavyweight boxing match held near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
The Dutch fighter appeared sharp and maintained his stamina until the end. Fans were convinced that GLORY’s longest-reigning heavyweight champion would emerge victorious and claim the new WBC heavyweight title in only his second professional boxing match.
However, in the 11th round, Oleksandr Usyk knocked down Rico Verhoeven with a powerful punch. The 37-year-old managed to beat the referee’s count, but once the fight resumed, the champion pressed for a finish, unleashing a barrage of heavy punches.
Despite “The King of Kickboxing” remaining on his feet, the referee stepped in and ended the contest, awarding Usyk a TKO victory.
After the defeat, Verhoeven confirmed on his social media that he has lodged an appeal and considers the stoppage to be unfair.
Tom Aspinall is Furious After Watching the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Stoppage
Some argue that the bout was stopped after the 11th round concluded, while others contend that since Rico Verhoeven had won most of the rounds, the referee should have allowed him the opportunity to compete in the final round instead of prematurely ending the fight.
Even Tom Aspinall is dissatisfied with how the bout was stopped. In a recent video, while watching the fight and criticizing 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.”
See Tom Aspinall’s comments below:
Turki Al-Sheikh shares the same sentiment as Tom Aspinall.
Check out his reaction below: