Ngannou questions Usyk-Verhoeven stoppage call

Francis Ngannou has weighed in on the controversial ending to Oleksandr Usyk's exhibition with Rico Verhoeven, saying the kickboxing champion deserved the decision. The heavyweight said the result highlighted wider issues with judging.

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

— Francis Ngannou, via BBC Sport

What Francis Ngannou said

Ngannou fought Usyk in an exhibition bout himself and has competed in both MMA and boxing at heavyweight. The former UFC champion's comments follow the stoppage decision that saw Usyk awarded victory in the exhibition contest with Verhoeven.

What it moves

Ngannou's intervention adds a fighter's perspective to the debate over the outcome. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "Outsiders will never win, trust me I know, but Rico was the winner tonight. Period." The remark suggests Ngannou believes visiting fighters face an uphill battle with officials regardless of performance.

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