Verhoeven believes Usyk 'wasn't at his best' in first meeting

Rico Verhoeven says the way his first fight with Oleksandr Usyk unfolded may have reflected a confluence of circumstance rather than pure dominance. The heavyweight stopped Usyk in a bout that prompted calls for a rematch.

“I like to believe there is a world where maybe he wasn't at his best, I was doing really well, and those two things came together to make the fight look the way it did.”

— Rico Verhoeven, via Sky Sports

What Rico Verhoeven said

Verhoeven competed against Usyk in a heavyweight contest that ended in a stoppage. The result has drawn scrutiny and debate over whether a second meeting should take place. Speaking to Sky Sports, Verhoeven offered his view on the conditions that shaped the original outcome.

What it moves

The comments position Verhoeven as open to revisiting the matchup under different circumstances. His acknowledgment that timing and form played a role could fuel momentum for a second fight if Usyk pushes for it. The remark suggests Verhoeven expects a tougher test if they meet again.

Source: skysports.com. Full Rico Verhoeven fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.