Jake Paul slams referee over Usyk vs Verhoeven stoppageJake Paul slams referee over Usyk vs Verhoeven stoppage
Jake Paul slams referee over Usyk vs Verhoeven stoppage
Advertisement
BOXINGPress ConferenceBoxing

Jake Paul slams referee over Usyk vs Verhoeven stoppage

James Wright
Senior Boxing Writer ·

This author receives a commission through recommended links in this content. See our affiliate disclosure.

Jake Paul has criticised the referee who halted the Usyk vs Verhoeven bout, arguing Rico Verhoeven should have been allowed more time to recover.

“Let him go to the corner and take the minute. But if that's me in Rico's corner I'm steaming with that stoppage.”

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Jake Paul vs. Cedric Doumbe on Ticketmaster →

— Jake Paul, via BBC Sport

What Jake Paul said

Going to the fight?
Jake Paul vs. Cedric Doumbe
Coca-Cola Arena · Dubai · 24 Dec 2026
Get Tickets

The cruiserweight contest saw the referee wave off the action while Verhoeven was still on his feet. Paul, who has fought at cruiserweight and heavyweight during his professional boxing career, questioned whether the stoppage came too soon.

What it moves

Paul told BBC Sport that Verhoeven deserved his full minute in the corner before any decision was made. The stoppage call will likely fuel debate over when referees should intervene to protect fighters versus letting bouts continue.

Source: bbc.com. Full Jake Paul fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Get Ringside Updates

Fight announcements, results, and analysis delivered to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Send me:

Join the discussion

Loading the discussion…