Ngannou questions Usyk-Verhoeven result: 'Rico was the winner'

Francis Ngannou has challenged the stoppage verdict that handed Oleksandr Usyk victory over Rico Verhoeven, claiming the kickboxing champion should have won the exhibition bout.

“Outsiders will never win, trust me I know, but Rico was the winner tonight. Period.”

— Francis Ngannou, via BBC Sport

What Francis Ngannou said

The heavyweight shared his view after the crossover contest ended in controversial fashion. Ngannou, speaking to BBC Sport, drew on his own experience as an outsider crossing combat sports. The former UFC champion fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in boxing after leaving mixed martial arts, losing both bouts on the cards despite competitive showings.

What it moves

The comment adds weight to growing debate over the stoppage call. Verhoeven has not publicly responded to the result. Ngannou's words suggest the outcome may fuel wider discussion about how crossover contests are judged when fighters leave their home discipline.

Source: bbc.com. Full Francis Ngannou fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.