Kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven plans to appeal after controversial boxing loss to champion Usyk.

Verhoeven promotes GLORY event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/RicoVerhoeven

Rico Verhoeven came close to shocking the world last Saturday (23), in Egypt. Even being a kickboxing legend, the Dutchman was considered by bookmakers as a big underdog for the super fight against Oleksandr Usyk in boxing. But he ignored the difference in experience in the sport and impressed. However, despite the good performance, the renowned striker ended up being knocked out by the heavyweight champion in the 11th round, in a result that generated discussion. And, like many, the athlete disagreed with the result.

So much so that, in an interview with the YouTube channel 'Boxing News', Verhoeven, upset with the tough defeat and feeling wronged by the referee, revealed that he plans to appeal in an attempt to overturn the loss. In the ring, the Dutchman surprised Usyk so much that many fans and boxing professionals pointed out that he would only lose the fight if he was knocked out.

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In a delicate situation, something difficult to imagine, the Ukrainian went on the attack in the penultimate round and applied a blitz on his opponent, who did not fall and seemed able to continue the fight. Even so, the referee ended the fight, declaring Usyk the winner. Despite the controversy, Verhoeven congratulated the boxing legend on his victory, but believes he has a good chance of turning the defeat into a 'no contest' and securing an immediate rematch.

“All the comments I read said the fight was stopped after the bell. I think we’re going to appeal, because that makes no sense at all. If the bell rings and they stop the fight, why? That would be my time to rest. The count was necessary, but I heard the click and thought, ‘I have about ten seconds, so I’m going to keep moving, with my hands up and try to land punches.’ I thought I was doing that,” said the kickboxing legend.

“Immediately when the referee appeared, I wasn’t dazed. It makes no sense to me. Now, reviewing it, even the bell rang. Of course, mistakes can happen, but the referee should admit his mistake, review the fight and say, ‘It’s a no contest or we go to the judges’ decision.’ And, if we went to the decision, I was ahead,” he concluded.

Deployment

With the victory, Usyk remained undefeated in boxing, with 25 wins, and defended his heavyweight titles. However, due to the controversy, there's a chance the Ukrainian could give Verhoeven an immediate rematch. In fact, the boxing legend made a point of acknowledging the Dutchman's quality and described him as his toughest opponent.