Oleksandr Usyk knockout vs. Rico Verhoeven Full Fight HD

Added: 2026-05-24

[00:00:00]and gentlemen, welcome to the glory at Giza. It's been a great night of world class and world championship professional boxing for your entertainment. But now it's the final bout of the evening. The moment we have all been waiting for. So, let's get this party started.

[00:00:28]>> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> Ladies and gentlemen, at this time we will honor our host nation and the challenger and champion with their respective national anthems. Ladies and gentlemen, the national anthem for Egypt.

[00:01:11]>> Ladies and gentlemen, this is the main event of the evening. 12 rounds of boxing for the universally recognized lineal heavyweight championship of the world.

[00:01:28]A presentation of the ring, the bible of boxing, Cella Eddie Hearn for matchroom boxing, gold star promotions, and ready to fight. Sponsored by White Bit, Scary Movie, Box Raw, and Just Eat. This contest is recognized by the Bible of boxing the ring and sanctioned by the World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaman, the World Boxing Association, Hilberto Jesus Mendoza Jr. President, and the Saudi Boxing Federation, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority is the president, his excellency Turkey Alles.

[00:02:11][applause] And now, ladies and gentlemen, the three judges assigned to score this fight at ringside. From Switzerland, Fabian Guggenheim. From Spain, Manuel Olivier Polomo. And from Canada, Pasual Proopio.

[00:02:27]And inside the ring, in charge of the action at the Bell World Championship veteran referee from the United Kingdom, Mark L. And now, ladies and gentlemen, the officials are at ringside and they are ready. The fighters are in the ring and they are ready. So for the sold out thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world on don from the pyramids of Egypt. Ladies and gentlemen, let's get ready to rumble.

[00:03:07]>> [applause] >> Introducing first, fighting out of the blue corner, wearing black trimmed with gold and orange, his official weight 258.7 lb. This international combat sports legend from 2013 until a few months ago when he vacated his title was undefeated in the combat ring. Ladies and gentlemen, the challenger, the former undisputed kickboxing heavyweight world champion from Hollen, Netherlands, the king of kickboxing, Ricardo Rico.

[00:03:59][cheering and applause] and across the ring fighting out of the red corner wearing burgundy trimmed with gold. Weighing in at 233.3 lbs since capturing Olympic gold in 2012, he now has a perfect professional record, 24 victories in 24 fights, 15 big wins by knockout. He's captured two division championships.

[00:04:28]Ladies and gentlemen, from Kev, Ukraine, the former undisputed cruiserweight world champion, now the ring, WBC, WBA, universally recognized linear undefeated heavyweight, champion of the world, all Alexander.

[00:04:56]Elson.

[00:05:13][cheering] >> Okay. Your shorts are a bit high. There we go. Anything on top of that belt is good. Okay. Okay. Gentlemen, you're boxing for the heavyweight championship of the world. I've already spoken to you both. You know what I expect. Stay professional. Obey my commands. And most of all, protect yourself at all times.

[00:05:34]God bless you both.

[00:05:38]>> Two heavyweight champions from different beat, batter, and bury him in the Egyptian desert tonight.

[00:05:47]12 rounds for the heavyweight championship of the world. Alexander Usyk, Rico Verhovven. Here we go.

[00:05:59]>> Straight away, who's going to find the rhythm with their jab first? How is Vahhuban going to approach this? Is he going to try and be the boss, the aggressor, or he try and wait for us to lead and try and counter? I can't see that being the option. I feel like he needs to be the boss, try and be the aggressor here.

[00:06:19]A lot of footwork and movement from RICO AND A STRAIGHT RIGHT HAND ON THE BOOM.

[00:06:24]>> Good bit of movement there from Van Hoover there. Just pushing it back with the jab and then right hand over the top. And it's I think it's imperative to have a good start. You're filling with confidence and he'll need that [cheering] chance of Rico here ringside. A lot of Dutch fans making the trip to the desert.

[00:06:45]>> Just having a look trying to work out his man.

[00:06:49]Look at the size of the legs of Rico Verhovven. Can those legs bounce like that for 12 rounds, Barry?

[00:06:55]>> Well, I I would I would probably say no, but he might not need to. I think it's important for him that know he's rushing us now when he double he doubled the jab, but it brings his feet fast because he's such a a big guy. He's forcing us back in straight line for a minute.

[00:07:10]Like the head movement as well. There's a lot of static target afford to be against Usyk.

[00:07:18]waiting for us to really unccort that left hand >> in kickboxing. Oh, that bad from Rico.

[00:07:26][cheering] >> Clash of heads perhaps.

[00:07:30]>> I was going to say in kickboxing, Rico switches stances quite often. Not sure if he's going to do it here in the Sweet Science. He seems like he's not as square on as I've seen him in the the kickboxing ring.

[00:07:44]Bit more side on. Love the way he's got his chin down, shoulders rounded.

[00:07:49]>> He looks so much bigger than us.

[00:07:51]>> Massive.

[00:07:53]>> Good positive start here.

[00:07:58]>> Well, we know that Usyk figures spiders out and then takes over right now. Seems to be downloading the information. What do I exactly have in front of me right now?

[00:08:08]This 6'5, 256-lb freak of nature.

[00:08:16]>> GREAT SHOT.

[00:08:18]>> Are you impressed so far, Darren? That was really a good committed to that right to the body, didn't he, Barry?

[00:08:23]Lovely shot.

[00:08:23]>> Oh, well, you can see he's winning this round.

[00:08:29]>> Yeah, I see a bit more of that from us.

[00:08:32]The faint the right hook as well. Look at the movement of a Hovven. all to his left hand side constantly.

[00:08:43]>> Combination there for music.

[00:08:46]>> I think no weight on the shot to worry the >> all in all considering what we thought we might see. Rico gets an A+ plus performance for his attack.

[00:08:59]>> Peter Fury in the corner of Rico Verhovven. They've been training together for about 15 years. Darren, what's Peter Fury fighters? What are they known for?

[00:09:07]>> I mean, hardworking, technically sound >> and mentally very strong as well. And >> movement, >> movement as well. Very, very good footwork. And we're seeing that here, aren't we? I must say again, it's all to the left hand side of Usyk.

[00:09:21]>> We know well, he throws that right hook.

[00:09:23]>> Better put it there. Nice uppercut then a straight left hand.

[00:09:27]>> Here's where he can maybe m him a little bit. You guys thought this might be a good strategy.

[00:09:31]>> It's just the physical presence. put your weight on him. But I mean, he hasn't needed that in the first round.

[00:09:36]He was pushing him back with straight punches. There's no massive jeopardy there for for Usyk, but taken by surprise over that first round.

[00:09:44]>> Usyk seems to be just kind of in first gear right now. There's a right hand, but Rico really forcing the issue.

[00:09:51]>> Yeah, and he's tucking up well when he comes forward.

[00:09:55]>> Kind of hooking the shots in round the side, working the body, then leans on, nullifies the work of Usyk coming back.

[00:10:05]Yeah, it's been a good start.

[00:10:07]>> Rico, a kickboxing record 66 and 10, 27 straight victories. Probably doesn't even remember the last time he lost.

[00:10:16]It's been so long.

[00:10:17]>> So, he's landed another dead and and not a lot loser weight on it, but still a good shot.

[00:10:23]>> And for whom he's not even bothered.

[00:10:25]>> Quite straight back, didn't he? With the with the right hand.

[00:10:28]>> Is he tempting fate though, guys, being this aggressive? No, I think this is the right move. It is.

[00:10:34]>> Nice uppercut to Lucy. Enrico answers back.

[00:10:37]>> Yeah, that's important that he does answer back and doesn't give any space for us to to make a second phase of attack.

[00:10:44]>> That uppercut certainly the shot through. I can see how rounded he is.

[00:10:48]Almost leaning over that front foot when he comes forward. Vhovven, >> you feel like Usyk is locked in right now. Barry, it's I think he's been taken back a little after that that really good start there. SO, HE'S START TO LAND A little bit more frequently than this one and he's had a much better round. I think he's show the physical strength here of the moment.

[00:11:12]>> Maybe he's just waiting for Rico to slow down a little bit.

[00:11:15]>> Yeah, possibly with the faints with the hands and feet just working out the man. But when he leans on, he looks an absolute unit in there. He really does.

[00:11:29]is a little bit too static. I feel >> he's more natural move. He'll get on the balls of his feet a little bit.

[00:11:35]>> Perhaps waiting too long. He's giving he's giving a target the hit, isn't he?

[00:11:41]>> To aim for >> anytime Rico gets a close, she just lets his hands go.

[00:11:51]>> And he looks quicker than what I've seen of Behovven in the past. I think he knows that he needs to be quick in this contest and he's worked on it.

[00:12:02]>> Successful early won a couple of rounds before Floyd Mayweather started to take over after figured him out. You sense that might be happening here, guys?

[00:12:09]>> It could possibly be happening. That's the key. BUT I THINK >> he's having more success than McGregor did. I think for me, cuz Freud was so hard about that, >> and the big thing here is can he sustain it? Can he keep this going? As we say, massive, doesn't he? Can he keep this moving? That a beautiful right to the body. Salem's a little low.

[00:12:30]>> Yeah, Rico acknowledged that looks to keep it a fair fight.

[00:12:36]Of course, that hearkens back to the controversy surrounding Dubois dropping Usyk in Poland. What was deemed a low blow. Look at Mike Carpentry. He's got it. Two nothing for the big Dutchman.

[00:12:49]>> There from his little face. Another shot from Rico.

[00:12:55]>> They just stood a little tall there. Hit a chin high. I'll tell you what, guys.

[00:12:59]This is not how he kickboxes. He's never this aggressive in the early rounds. I'm very surprised with this strategy. But it's a winning formula so far.

[00:13:09]>> And it's the right move. He did say that, didn't we, just in the preview just now. I think he'll rush him and then they'll take that risk. But I don't think he has to rush him. He's rushing him with his attacks, but they're they're relatively smart, but they're straight punches down the line.

[00:13:21]>> I know what I think there's a bit of variation to the work. You know, every now and again he'll creep forward like he does. Rico heavy hands on Usyk.

[00:13:31]>> I I think Usyk thought, but when he's down to those uppercuts, punches that he might not be able to see that he might back him up and that that hasn't happened yet. It was a nice right to the body for for Hovind. Backcomy with a nice left hand from us. GOOD RESPONSIVE FROM THERE WITH THE left hand.

[00:13:54]>> He's got to get some move when he play here. He's not fainting as much as he used to.

[00:14:00]>> You know, USUALLY IT'S HARD for other fighters to figure Usyk out. Is Usyk having a hard time figuring this guy out?

[00:14:06]>> I think the arms here come for him, but it's not. doesn't have a struggle before just stick that long now. Rico feeling himself staying on his toes. I'm just wondering can he keep this pace up in the later rounds? He looks at you a moment ago there and just find out the jab of Hoover.

[00:14:25]>> It looked like a look away shot.

[00:14:31]>> The the variation was a nice counter one two that from us.

[00:14:35]>> Good footwork.

[00:14:41]to catch his guard off. Looked like he blocked those punches.

[00:14:47]>> And that's where he can probably have a fight when he throws the hooks then screwed the shot through the middle.

[00:14:54]>> More offensive now, isn't he? Usyk. Oh, good shot there from Vhouven.

[00:14:59]>> His physical strength and he's possibly winning the fight. Well, remember Tyson Fury had all kinds of trouble with Francis Enanu in the early rounds and even got dropped. Right now, it could very well be three nothing for Rico Beer Huben against the best boxer in the world.

[00:15:22]>> Seems like no matter what happens from here on out, I think Rico's shown enough to say, "Hey, he's he's got the goods."

[00:15:28]>> Yeah, he really has. Surpassed everyone's expectations already.

[00:15:33]to look further than a bowl victory.

[00:15:35]He's got dry.

[00:15:36]>> He has captured this and and shot the world. He's trying to nullify and stop and confuse us with that lead hand. He just sort of taps it out that right hand as he did there. Another right hand and chasing the cat around the ring.

[00:15:53]>> Again, just the variation. Look at it.

[00:15:54]You know, a moment ago was on the back foot. Now he's on the front foot now leaning on.

[00:16:00]There's a bit of wasted energy there with the throwing those hands so fast that there's nothing on them. But the leaning on music is very important.

[00:16:07]>> But what that does as well that it sends, you know, uh something to the judges that you're busy, you're working, you're looking confident.

[00:16:24]Oh, Rico got comfortable there. Got off balance. Might want to settle down a little bit. [cheering] been hurt there.

[00:16:32]>> There's a screw shot through the middle through the gap there by he knows he's a fantastic finish UP with a little lead that Rico's put together about to come crashing down now here in the fourth.

[00:16:49]>> He's got he got his legs back underneath him here with his food. Oh no, he's eating it.

[00:17:00]shot.

[00:17:04]>> Look at this.

[00:17:07]>> Double recover there.

[00:17:12]Of >> course, this is a 12 round fight in kickboxing. Rico's championship fights were five threeminute rounds, but I mentioned earlier he did recently compete in a one night eightman tournament where he fought three three round fights in a single night.

[00:17:28]the angles there. The shots here FROM US >> JUST flowing a lot better now. Not loaded up with the shots using a good shot.

[00:17:45]>> Lovely little uppercut as he was coming forward there for us.

[00:17:50]>> Knocked the gunshield out. He needs to find different angles here. Alexander >> stay switched on over a couple of times there. He had his left hand lower and he got caught with a couple of right hands.

[00:18:05]A >> much better round four here from the champ.

[00:18:15]>> He really is.

[00:18:17]>> It's good to see him back. Everything he's been through. That fight available on Don as part of your ultimate subscription. Round five here between Rico and Usyk. A lot of people didn't think it'd even go this far.

[00:18:29]>> What was your official predictions, guys?

[00:18:31]>> Well, that Usyk wins anyway he wants to.

[00:18:34]Quite comfortable and and then and stops him within five rounds. That's the truth of it.

[00:18:38]>> Yeah, but around six, seven, mid rounds.

[00:18:42]>> But it hasn't been the fight we thought.

[00:18:45]>> Not at all. And you got to give credit there. The Max Hoover, it's him.

[00:18:51]slided over that RIGHT HAND FOR HOOVER and muscle step back on the left from Usyk.

[00:18:58]>> Nice left there FOR RICO JUST COMING FORWARD METHODICALLY trying to just walk through those punches really.

[00:19:06]>> Let's bring in Mike Hinger with a scorecard.

[00:19:08]>> Yeah, Todd. I mean Hogan is incredibly impressive. I mean that active jab. He's moving his head. He's aggressive. He's confident. did a lot better in that fourth round, but Rico's still in this fight and no matter what happens now, we're all impressed by Rico.

[00:19:23]>> Yeah, I think you know he's ahead, but you feel tired is shifting here is changing us center of the ring as I say more active with the hands. JUST STEP to his right hand side a little bit and meet Rahuven who's moving constantly to his left hand side with that right hook. You guys talked about all the faints that Rico was going to have to react to that Usyk was going to give him.

[00:19:47]>> Rico's a faint machine in this fight, >> but also he's constantly doing something with his hands. He twitching with his shoulders, constantly moving them up and down. And that maybe takes the focus on that offer a little bit slightly. And then when he does attack, he can't read it as well as he normally does.

[00:20:01]>> I think again you asked the question about Peter Fury, what does he implement? And I think you know the non-punching activity with the hands always fainting you know that's something he's put into for Hoover for sure.

[00:20:12]>> Rico Verhovven said he used to spar Tyson Fury and get destroyed every time but he came back for more and more and then Tyson kept inviting him to his training camp because he knew just how tough Rico was and that he would always come forward and that's what he's showing us here tonight.

[00:20:28]Another opportunity just missed the trick to throw the caler. He stepped back after hoover through the right hand but yeah didn't LET THE SHOT GO.

[00:20:38]>> I TELL YOU ONE thing's not willing to trade with him.

[00:20:44]He's >> too smart isn't he for that.

[00:20:47]>> Well, when you're as big as Rico is, you don't WANT TO TRADE.

[00:20:57]SO THAT'S THE FIRST PUNCH HE FOR a while there.

[00:21:01]>> He's still moving freely, isn't he? For Hoover, >> there are a lot of movements around if the fight goes long.

[00:21:12]>> This might be the most competitive round we've seen this fight. Double jab from Rico.

[00:21:18]the cross necklace time for Usyk like he did against Tyson Fury guys. But how concerned should Usyk fans be right now?

[00:21:25]>> I don't think there's there's any cause for concern right now. It's just you feel there's more to come. You feel he will start up in the tempo. It's a good start to this sixth round from the Ukrainian. But it doesn't need to start to happen.

[00:21:42]>> What a performance so far from Rico Verhu.

[00:21:46]I don't know anyone who picked him to win this fight outside of his friends and family and even they probably has some real questions about it.

[00:21:55]He >> does that well when he leans on.

[00:21:58]>> I I tell you one thing as well. I think Uzi might be struggling with that weight he's carrying here. A lot heavier than he normally is and and the movement the lateral movement certainly the swaying side to side is so much less than it ever has been. Pretty similar stats when you look through round five.

[00:22:16]>> It's interesting. I THOUGHT I' SEEN A LOT MORE jabs landing from Usyk.

[00:22:21]>> I love the way when Rico gets Usyk against the ropes. Not only does he put his weight on him, Barry, but he's throwing punches and scoring points.

[00:22:27]>> Yes. And you know, even if they're not landing, >> the impression that he's always busy and that's important for the judges eyes in rounds that that might be scrappy, you'll give to the guy who's doing the more work whether it's effective or NOT IN THE END.

[00:22:42]AND AGAIN, Rico marching forward, landing punches >> again, changing up >> the pace of the fight as well. He's on the back foot now. Look, trying to push Usyk back. He has success with that right to the body, doesn't he?

[00:22:57]>> Used by any metric, Usyk doesn't look like us tonight. Is that because maybe he struggled himself or is Rico making him look like this?

[00:23:08]You got to say it's Rico, isn't he? I mean, he looks a little bit he doesn't look as in shape as he normally is losing, but that's you can make that you can't use that as an excuse.

[00:23:18]>> You do have a fight. You got to get fit for the fight. You got to get ready for the fight. You got to win the fight. You mentioned it, Tom. That leaning on. He really does push on and it'll throw some heavy shots and something that I don't think he's been used to see.

[00:23:33]>> Well, RICO IS A WORKOUT FIEND. HE NEVER CUTS CORNERS. [cheering] In sensational shape at all times. And right now he still looks good and has that that movement, constant non-stop movement that he started the fight with. And you see a COUPLE MORE LANDING JABS.

[00:23:49]>> NICE LITTLE LONG left hook there as well there from Behovven.

[00:23:53]>> Still nice and supple on his feet movement.

[00:23:56]>> I thought by this sort of time that the spring WOULD HAVE GONE OUT THE STEP of Hoover and it hasn't.

[00:24:06]>> And now it's Rico's back against the ropes.

[00:24:12]He >> just looks lethargic, doesn't he?

[00:24:15]>> He looks unus for sure.

[00:24:19]>> If you've never seen a fight before, >> round seven scheduled for 12. And I think anyone who's watching right now thinks Rico is probably winning this fight, including our official score, our unofficial score, Mike Copinger. How do you have it through six full rounds, Mike?

[00:24:37]>> Yes, Todd. So far, I have Usyk winning just the one round. And I think Rico's been really impressive. And really, his defense, too. I mean, he's making Usyk miss a lot in there. His jab has been on point. And I think lost in all this, it's really been an entertaining fight.

[00:24:52]>> Indeed, here in round seven, we're getting to a point, gentlemen. If Rico wins one or two more rounds in a row, my math isn't great. Usyk's going to need a knockdown to win this fight.

[00:25:02]>> I mean, it's incredible. It really is. I mean, it's all this non-punch activity.

[00:25:06]I think he's stopped Usyk letting his hands go. He's got to be far busier.

[00:25:12]>> And there's a lot of kickboxers watching right now who are licking their chops ABOUT, HEY, I'M GOING TO COME to boxing.

[00:25:17]I'm going to fight the champ. I can hang with him.

[00:25:20]>> Nice little looping right hand there from Bohovven. Us moving off the off HIS JAB for Hovind's jab. When he throws it, he goes spin around the outside. M is getting some work in the break. Those uppercuts through the middle.

[00:25:39]from Alice said there doesn't look like there's any signs of him slowing down, does it? The Hoover looks fresh in there still. There's a spring IN THE STEP.

[00:25:52]I'M surprised with the with the mindset and the ability to work his opponent out. He's not read this movement of Bahuban. CONSTANTLY GOING TO HIS RIGHT.

[00:26:06]>> AND NOW LUCY SWITCHING STANCES TO SOUTHPAW. He just can't figure this guy out to the knees of the champ.

[00:26:17]>> Tell you what, he's going in HIS HEAD UP HERE.

[00:26:20]>> AND NOW going to open UP A LITTLE BIT.

[00:26:23]>> MAYBE HE'S sensing what we are all seeing that this is remarkable.

[00:26:29]>> It really, really is.

[00:26:36]Rico said, "Listen, this is no fairy tale. This won't be a miracle if I beat him. This will be hard work, dedication, and a lot of discipline.

[00:26:45]Yes, I've been fighting kickboxing for almost two decades. However, I've been training as the boxer for 15 years under the tutelage of Peter Fury, and I'm here to showcase my skills."

[00:26:59]Those skills are really working right now.

[00:27:09]>> This is incredible.

[00:27:11]>> Doesn't have an answer for any of this at the minute. He's stationary. He's easy to hit.

[00:27:18]>> And another round for Vhovven. And a good right hand right BEFORE THE PRIZE BY Rico Verhovven in his second professional boxing match. Guys, if he wins this fight, he'll be the first fighter in the history of the sport to win a world title in a second professional fight.

[00:27:35]>> And also, you got to think some the fighters that couldn't beat us.

[00:27:40]>> That's the thing that they couldn't beat him and then this guy just walks into the sport, you know, a brilliant and obviously the master of what he does, of course, in his squad, but he walks into the sport and and and beats our champion. But even if this version, you was to see this version in the past of Behovven fighting, you'd say he has no chance against Usi. But he's the unpredictability of the way he's fighting in there and the way he's leaning on and that physical presence is has been incredible.

[00:28:09]>> I'm still just waiting for Usyk to turn it on. You know, we've seen so many fights over the years where a guy is losing every round and then boom.

[00:28:18]Even Usyk though obviously does not go.

[00:28:21]>> Oh, another right hand. Everything smelling like roses for Rico.

[00:28:27]And another right hand champion of the game. This is absolutely phenomenal.

[00:28:37]>> What a great effort this is.

[00:28:42]When will or will Usyk wake up?

[00:28:46]>> The standard bearer for upsets in boxing history is five over Mike Tyson. Guys, this wouldn't be too far behind now.

[00:28:53]>> I tell you what, he looks like a he looks like a fight that if he was a lightweight made and it really hurt and they can't get going, >> but that you can't use as an excuse because [cheering] he doesn't have to make weight. I just thought he can't read this river. He's a diva.

[00:29:13]>> Well, you know, Rico still cannot afford to make one mistake cuz Usyk will capitalize. Think about all the hundreds of amateur fights he's had. The undisputed run at cruiserweight, the undisputed run at heavyweight. He's seen almost every type of style imaginable, but he can't figure out this style. But Usyk has hit him with good shots. Except for that that a few rounds ago when he bobbled him, all the other shots have bounced off.

[00:29:37]>> There's a good one.

[00:29:43]>> He's rushing him every time. It's so clever. That is using that massive size that he got. And who's fighting back, but he's fighting back having to move back without moving forward into the shots.

[00:29:53]>> And he's he's on the chest, isn't he?

[00:29:54]Before he can even get the shots off.

[00:29:58]>> More pressure now. More intent from us.

[00:30:07]He turned it out those shots and turned around. Smart. Very, very smart.

[00:30:24]>> [music] >> Round.

[00:30:27]>> All right, we are heading into round nine. We'll see Mike Cerser's unofficial scorecard in just a minute. But guys, I can't believe I'm about to say this.

[00:30:35]Alexander Usyk might need a knockout or at least a knockdown if he's going to win this fight.

[00:30:43]>> Am I am I am my calculations correct or am I just >> They're speechless. His madness if that's the case.

[00:30:49]>> Let's look at Mike's scorecard. There you have it, >> Mike. You're you're lost for words.

[00:30:57]>> Yeah, look, I mean, like Barry said, the tactics, Peter Fury has done an amazing job here putting Lucy on the back foot and Rico Hovind, this has been incredibly impressive already. Far more impressive in his opinion, anything could use a knockdown or a knockdown.

[00:31:15]>> Incredible stuff. And you can see again Rico having success when he turns things physical.

[00:31:21]>> He just gets really close and just fires the shots into head and body. There was a nice rep that he threw as well for Hoover stabbed it into the body of us.

[00:31:30]>> You know, there was a big controversy a few weeks ago when the WBC said, "You know what? Hey, yeah, this is for the heavyweight championship of the world."

[00:31:37]MANY PEOPLE SAID, "WHAT? A GUY WITH A 1 AND0 RECORD? This is it. This is ridiculous. You can't put the heavyweight title on the line."

[00:31:43]>> Well, it is ridiculous. He hadn't earned he hadn't earned his shots. That's That's the point. Not that he's not good enough. He earned his shot to get there, but he's shown he's good enough. I mean, Uzi, I never thought I'd say this, but his feet have been awful.

[00:31:58]Really bad.

[00:32:00]See confidence from Vhouan as well. Just switching to South Leaning on nullifying the work of throwing shots again to the body. Really well.

[00:32:14]>> All right, guys. I've just been told that in the arena they are doing open scoring and that they have the score right now 7676.

[00:32:23]Mike Coer, your thoughts? That's according to Mauricio Sulaman of the WBC.

[00:32:27]>> That's crazy. That's not really reflective of what's going on here. I mean, I think Usyk's won two rounds at most. And look, Usyk is a legend and he's either the first or second best fighter in the world pound, but he's not winning this fight right now or even.

[00:32:42]Well, maybe the four of us have it completely wrong and they're right.

[00:32:46]>> That's that's better if I'm losing.

[00:32:47]There's some face when he comes into the jab.

[00:32:50]>> But then what we don't usually see is that there he lands a good shot then he got caught with one. Usually defensively so sound.

[00:33:01]>> 30 seconds to go here in round nine.

[00:33:05]Rico surpassing all expectations so far does not look like himself.

[00:33:24]Rico switching southpark.

[00:33:27]>> I think he needs to increase it. I think he know knows what he needs to do. He always starts around positive on the front foot. It's just about sustaining again staying switched on as well. He's been caught with shots that you wouldn't usually get caught with. I think that's the biggest point is not so much what what he's doing is after he does the work, he's sort of switching off and getting caught by a big guy who's rushing it.

[00:33:53]Rico just keeps marching forward, >> complaining that maybe Rico caught him with an accidental elbow.

[00:33:59]>> The uppercut, the right idea there from us on the back foot.

[00:34:10]>> He's right in front of us here, isn't he? Ver. And you can see how much he really does lean on us.

[00:34:18]Well, win or lose, the amount of respect that Rico has earned here tonight is immeasurable.

[00:34:27]>> He's just not able to get around the outside there, is he? He's trying to trying to move his feet around, but >> Vo was just going with him.

[00:34:38]>> From Rico who's marching down again.

[00:34:46][cheering] That last right hand sneaks through from Behovven. We always praise and credit Usyk's in ring IQ. Barry, what should he be doing right now that he just isn't?

[00:34:58]what he should have been doing from the beginning. More angles, more upper body movements, using that feet to to spin around the outside and then get those shots through the middle. He's throwing the shots in the middle, but he's squared on. He's right in front of a movement, so he's there target >> and also the activity hasn't been as much as he normally is with with us.

[00:35:17]He's usually the busiest fighter in the ring.

[00:35:22]Is there is there any chance that maybe Usyk thinks he's winning this fight and is just going steady as she goes? Is there any chance?

[00:35:30]>> I DON'T THINK SO.

[00:35:32]>> HE KNOWS HE'S got to do more.

[00:35:38]>> Haven't seen a TON OF BODY SHOTS FROM MUSK EITHER. Something he's very good at.

[00:35:49]People were saying there's no way that Rico COULD OUTBOX US, BUT HE COULD OUTWORK HIM. And guys, I'd argue HE MIGHT BE DOING BOTH OF THEM RIGHT NOW.

[00:36:03][cheering] It seems here in the 10.

[00:36:11]This is what we needed from Lucy in a great shot for better from the champion.

[00:36:25]Rico and a good one too.

[00:36:32]>> And Rico is right in the thick of things. A good finish to round 10 though for the champ.

[00:36:38]>> It breaks my heart to say it's these puzzle fights. They sort of work, don't they?

[00:36:46]>> The fight could hang in the balance here over the last two.

[00:36:51]Is this where Usyk comes to life as we've seen him do in prior fights, especially against AJ and Tottenham Stadium?

[00:36:59]>> He's looked flatfooted all night long.

[00:37:01]Flat footed off the mark.

[00:37:04]Can Can you attribute all that to to the weight game?

[00:37:07]>> Well, maybe, but also Mike's SCORECARD STILL PRETTY WIDE.

[00:37:12]>> YEAH, LOOK, I thought Rico Verhov was actually winning that last round and then Usyk really came on and I thought heard Rico down the stretch and I want to see Usyk really pressed the action now. He needs to score a knockdown, I believe.

[00:37:25]>> Looks like he's sharpened up a little bit in this 11, but he hasn't kept it going.

[00:37:31]Rico used his shoulder there to push Usyk away.

[00:37:35]Double jab from Rico showing you the fundamentals he's picked up over the years.

[00:37:44]>> Peter Fury told Rico in the corner. You can't switch off even for a second against us.

[00:37:50]That right hook upstairs.

[00:37:54][cheering] >> You got to dip down to the body here now as well. And he LIFTS THAT HEAD UP TO THE BODY.

[00:38:01]Still jam for he goes downstairs. Tough isn't he?

[00:38:07]>> Just when I FEEL USYK IS CLOSE TO SOMETHING, TO BUILDING SOMETHING, goes with lands or does this grabs hold, leans on and just stops that threat instantly.

[00:38:21]>> Either way, this has been a great fight from an entertainment standpoint. Blood to the nose of us.

[00:38:28]Now people say why even watch this fight it's going to be so rightsided don't even bother it has been anything but in fact RICO MIGHT WELL be winning >> who you think he is for the right time and then to this point he can't get rid of him Lots of shot.

[00:38:58]Lots of good shots there. And again, [cheering] [cheering] fantastic shot that for us. Oh, they're going to give him time to put the mouthpiece back in. Oh, he looks unsteady.

[00:39:32]Usyk's complaining about it and he should be SOME VALUABLE TIME WASTED THERE behind us.

[00:39:42]Can he close the show?

[00:39:48]What are you doing? What are you kidding? Gentlemen, after 10 great rounds, we go into round 11. Referee Mark L has to step in and call a halt to the bout. 2 minutes 59 seconds of round number 11. The winner by TKO victory. still undefeated and still the ring WBC WBA universally recognized lineal undefeated heavyweight champion of the world Alexander.

[00:40:34]But I know right now in Ukrainian uh my people in my country fly bombing.

[00:40:43]Uh my people now sitting in bomb shelter. My my my family my daughter too bomb shelter send me message. Papa papa I love you. You win.

[00:40:55]I afraid. I say oh my god.

[00:41:00]Thank you so much.

[00:41:02]Thank you so much, Ro. You're amazing fighter. Thank you so much. You, your team, coach smart.

[00:41:12]My team, I love you.

[00:41:15][cheering] You are the best. Katarina, my wife, I love you. You my light. You my life. You my heart.

[00:41:30]You knew that he was going to be a tough fight. He has a style that you've not seen before.

[00:41:35]>> Sorry, bro. Yes, this is fight was hard uh ego, good prepare. I know, but uh it's good fight.

[00:41:44]>> Did you think going into that last round, round 11, that you needed a knockout or a knockdown to win?

[00:41:54]>> Knock down to win.

[00:41:57]And I just boxing, you know, this is my right uppercut. Bum and bam, bum bum head. Thank you, God. Thank you, God.

[00:42:08]Jesus Christ. Thank you. Thank you so much.

[00:42:11]>> I know you have so many belts around you. I believe there is another belt.

[00:42:16]>> This is the new ring belt.

[00:42:18]>> This is the new ring belt. This was an unbelievable performance by Usyk. But there's another guy that wants to face him who's in the ring right now, which is another undefeated guy, Ajit Cabayel.

[00:42:33]And I know we got Istanbul around the corner, >> his excellency Turkey.

[00:42:40]>> No, I >> it is the choose of Ozik.

[00:42:45]>> Yes.

[00:42:45]>> Okay. And this is not the right right time. He's in the line.

[00:42:49]>> Yeah. But also in the same times he deserved rematch after the after cabel [applause and cheering] >> we want to see but it is >> if you if you organization listen brother are I ready?

[00:43:00]>> Yeah. Okay.

[00:43:01]>> I ready every >> Okay. They are in the line both of them.

[00:43:06]We want to see it. We want to see cabel and we want to see Reicho the rematch in Holland.

[00:43:15]>> Reicho. Rico come in very quickly.

[00:43:20]I feel like we have three fighters here and we're going to try and organize this now. Rico, congratulations on an incredible performance. Your team were very upset with the stoppage. Only 5 seconds left in round 11. Were you upset with the stoppage as well?

[00:43:34]>> Yeah, of course. I thought it was an early stoppage, but in the end, you know, it's not up to me. Um, but still, I I found it a little bit early. you know, the I believe the referee knows that we're almost at the end of the round. So, or let me go out on my shield or, you know, uh let the bell go. That's what I thought. But, you know, like I said, it's not up to me and I uh I was already super thankful for the opportunity as well. So, that Usyk took this fight. Um so, to the WBC giving me the giving me this opportunity. Uh his excellency told me uh like, "Oh, I want a rematch. This was an amazing fight, man. you were so good.

[00:44:12]So, but I also know this man is waiting.

[00:44:14]So, you know, it's like I said, it's not up to me. It's up to the organization.