One of the trusted confidants in Oleksandr Usyk‘s immediate entourage has defended the timing of the referee’s stoppage in his last fight against Rico Verhoeven.
Usyk stepped into the ring with the legendary Dutch heavyweight kickboxing champion last month in a fight that many expected to be a walkover, given his achievements.
As a two-time undisputed heavyweight ruler, Usyk had infinitely more experience than his opponent, who had just one professional fight under his belt back in 2014, but struggled through much of the contest to really impose himself.
Verhoeven tucked up tight and did well to get in close to mount his attacks and ended up picking up many of the rounds. However, Usyk eventually got a foothold and landed some big shots of his own and with Verhoeven on the ropes at the end of the 11th round, the referee stepped in to call a halt to proceedings.
Many fans and pundits were left feeling he should have been allowed to come out for the final round.
Speaking to BetPack, Sergey Lapin has backed the referee.
“The referee did his job and protected Rico’s health. It was the right and professional moment to stop the fight. People need to understand one thing: at this level, one extra punch can affect a fighter’s entire future and health. The fight was already moving toward a very difficult ending for Rico. If the referee had allowed it to continue, the ending could have been much more brutal and dangerous.”
Verhoeven has now called for a rematch and Usyk has not shied away from it, while the WBC has recognised his efforts and placed him at number 8 in their latest world rankings.
