Eddie Hearn understands Rico Verhoeven’s frustration with how things unfolded vs. Oleksandr Usyk.
Verhoeven was finished by Usyk with officially one second remaining in Round 11 of their boxing match this past Saturday at the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt. The finish came moments after Usyk dropped Verhoeven with an uppercut, but Verhoeven was able to survive.
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Usyk poured the pressure on – which eventually led to the referee stoppage, but the former Glory Kickboxing champion immediately protested. Matchroom Boxing CEO Hearn says the referee shouldn’t have stopped the fight.
“My thoughts.. just firstly confirming I am not a ref or a judge 😂 I thought @ricoverhoeven was incredible last night. I gave him hardly any chance in this fight. His concentration, belief and IQ unbelievable for basically a debutant. Shout out @peterfury for the game plan! @usykaa struggled with the rhythm but stayed with it and somehow found a way, when the greatest upset in boxing history was looming. I had Rico a couple of rounds up going into the 11th. Usyk did what Champions do but for me the stoppage was early. The bell had basically gone and Rico was defending and knew exactly where he was. I do think Usyk would have got a clearer stoppage in the 12th or edged out a decision but us and definitely Rico deserved the chance to let it unfold. That was fascinating well done men. Two really great guys and the work ethic, mindset and desire is inspiring.”
