Sports Boxing

'Uncrowned King' Verhoeven calls for Usyk rematch

'Uncrowned King' Verhoeven calls for Usyk rematch
Rico Verhoeven has called for a rematch with unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk and an apology from officials after the controversial stoppage in Egypt.

The Dutchman troubled Usyk for long spells and came close to one of boxing's biggest upsets before being dropped in the 11th round.

The contest was then stopped amid a late flurry, with replays suggesting the bell for the end of the round may already have sounded.

Verhoeven says his team lodged an appeal with the WBC the following morning.

Verhoeven reigned for more than 4,000 days as a kickboxing world champion but had only one professional boxing fight prior to last weekend's bout, a win over a journeyman in 2014.

The unbeaten Usyk, meanwhile, is a two-weight undisputed champion, having dominated at cruiserweight before becoming undisputed heavyweight champion.

The 39-year-old Ukrainian remains undefeated in 25 professional fights and is widely regarded as one of the best fighters of his era.

Verhoeven says Usyk's legacy has been amazing anyway, but he definitely feel they made a crack in the guy that was considered invincible.

He is unsure whether a rematch will materialise straight away. Germany's Agit Kabayel is the mandatory WBC challenger for Usyk's title and faced-off with the champion in the ring in Cairo.

Source: BBC Sports
FNRL

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