Rico Verhoeven calls open scoring 'fishy' in Usyk loss

Kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven has questioned the open scoring used in his recent boxing loss to Oleksandr Usyk, saying the cards shown between rounds did not match his read of the fight.

Per Sherdog, Verhoeven said that after four rounds officials told him the scorecards were even, which surprised him. "I was like, 'Hmm, ok.' I felt like it was at least 3 to 1, but ok, we're even, that's fine," he said in a video statement.

Verhoeven disputes judging transparency

The Dutch heavyweight, better known for his Glory kickboxing reign, has since filed a formal review appeal and reportedly believes the scoring favored the former undisputed cruiserweight champion. His coach told media that the referee later admitted to an error during the bout, though the nature of that mistake remains unclear.

Verhoeven has said he is seeking an apology rather than a result change. The open scoring format, rare in professional boxing, requires judges to reveal their tallies after designated rounds, a system meant to add transparency but one that Verhoeven now calls suspect.

No rematch or next opponent has been confirmed for either man. Usyk has not fought since December's heavyweight title defense, while Verhoeven continues to compete at the top of the kickboxing heavyweight division.

Source: sherdog.com