Verhoeven says referee jumped in as he tried to ride out Usyk pressure

Rico Verhoeven has defended his performance in a controversial stoppage loss to Oleksandr Usyk, saying he was weathering the storm when the referee intervened.

“I knew Usyk was going to push it and I knew we were already there, so I just got on the defence and tried to ride it out. And then the referee jumps in.”

— Rico Verhoeven, via BBC Sport

What Rico Verhoeven said

The heavyweight kickboxing champion crossed over to boxing and faced Usyk in a bout that ended amid debate over the stoppage. Verhoeven competes at 123 kg and took on the former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion in what was his boxing debut against elite opposition.

What it moves

Verhoeven's account suggests he felt capable of surviving the assault. The stoppage will fuel discussion over whether the referee acted prematurely or protected a fighter in trouble. Usyk's team is unlikely to offer sympathy for a rival who entered the ring voluntarily.

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