WBC Heavyweight Showdown
Last night’s Ring Magazine/DAZN “Glory in Giza” Main Event between Unified IBF/WBA/WBC/ Ring Magazine Heavyweight Champion of the World Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 Kos) and former Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion of the World Rico Verhoeven (1-1, 1 Ko), surpassed my expectation when both combatants bumped gloves at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
At the first bell you could see Usyk approaching this bout as a light night’s work for a hefty pay but as the rounds quickly progressed Usyk realized he was in a real fight with a strong warrior who had an old school style that was aggressive, awkward and defensively minded that was clearly efficient and hard to deter.
Truth be told, Verhoeven was winning rounds and had Usyk back peddling and confused by what was transpiring inside that squared circle. This novice boxer Verhoeven was putting in work and beating on Usyk the way none of his previous opponents could ever do to him in 24 fights.
This wasn’t the usual Usyk we’re used to seeing. This version of Usyk looked a little tired at times and more flat footed than usual but nevertheless still had some moments and made them count when the opportunity presented itself.
That being said, regardless of how the Judges wanted to play it, going into the eleventh round I had Verhoeven ahead and Usyk needing a knockout to win this bout and with 20 seconds left in the round Usyk went into “BEAST MODE” and threw a well-placed uppercut that dropped Verhoeven to a standing 8 count. Clearly hurt and tired, Verhoeven rose back up but was met with a barrage of punches missing and connecting that prompted the referee to halt the fight seconds before the bell sounded.
I personally think the referee ruined this bout by not giving Verhoeven the chance to see the 12th and final round. The momentum was on Usyk’s side and Verhoeven was hurt but we will never know the true outcome of this bout had Verhoeven been given the opportunity to continue.
Nevertheless, I tip my “B” hat to Verhoeven for standing his ground and going toe-to-toe with the Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Controversy aside, Usyk retained his WBC Heavyweight Title and is still King of the Heavyweight Division.
Blaze