Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has spoken out after Rico Verhoeven put on an outstanding display despite losing to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night.
Kickboxing legend Verhoeven challenged Usyk at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt in what was only his second professional boxing bout.
Much to the surprise of viewers around the globe, Verhoeven pegged Usyk back throughout the clash and appeared to hurt the Ukrainian great on a number of occasions with his elusive fighting style.
The 37-year-old was on the verge of potentially causing a huge upset but fell at the final hurdle after referee Mark Lyson waved off the bout with just one second remaining in the 11th round.
In a clip shared by Pro Boxing Fans, Usyk’s stablemate and two-time heavyweight champion Joshua gave plaudits to Verhoeven before admitting whether he believes the Dutchman should have been allowed to continue.
“Yeah, I knew he was a good fighter … Yeah definitely [he should have been allowed to fight on].”
Many fans have already called for a rematch to take place between Usyk and Verhoeven, an opinion that is also shared by the latter’s trainer Peter Fury, who has been praised for his involvement in the Dutch fighters performance on Saturday night.
As for Joshua himself, he returns to action in July when he takes on Kristan Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on July 25, before he is then set to turn his attention to a long-awaited clash with countryman Tyson Fury later in the year.
