Johnny Nelson: Usyk showed vulnerability against Verhoeven

Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson believes Oleksandr Usyk looked beatable for the first time in his heavyweight run, citing the Ukrainian's flat-footed performance against Rico Verhoeven as evidence that age might be catching up with him.

Nelson, who held the WBO title at 200 pounds for years, told BoxingScene he had Verhoeven ahead on points heading into the 11th round of their May bout, when referee Mark Lyson stopped the contest with one second remaining after Usyk floored the Dutchman with a right uppercut and attacked on the ropes. "I had Usyk behind on points. He needed a knockout," Nelson said. Two official cards were level and one favoured Verhoeven by two.

Why Verhoeven presented problems Usyk had not solved

Nelson attributed the difficulties to size, aggression, and what he called "boxing snobbery" that led observers to dismiss the kickboxing legend's chances despite minimal pro boxing experience. Verhoeven's jab landed consistently, his body shots had effect, and Usyk spent much of the fight navigating rather than imposing, according to Nelson's reading. "From four rounds on, I thought, 'Usyk's 39, is this his time? Has it caught up on him?'" Nelson said, per the BoxingScene report. "He has just shown people how he can be beaten."

The former champion recommended Usyk take a rematch with Verhoeven before pursuing mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel, both to settle the outcome and to capitalise financially while he still can. Nelson noted that Usyk remains the recognised best heavyweight regardless of being stripped of the WBO belt, giving him leverage to choose his path. "We saw he's reaching that part where you go down," Nelson added.

Usyk has not announced his next move. Verhoeven has campaigned publicly for a second fight.

Source: boxingscene.com