John Fury says Oleksandr Usyk deserves more credit after Rico Verhoeven fight

Verhoeven built up a narrow lead on one judge’s scorecard after 10 rounds, while the other two officials tied the battle at 95-95. Usyk eventually turned the tide with a right uppercut that dropped the former kickboxing champion before referee Mark Lyson waved off the bout as the round had already ended.

Despite criticism aimed at Usyk’s performance, John Fury insisted the three-time undisputed champion should not be judged too harshly.

“No, you know, because at the end of the day he’s caused problems. He’s a 6ft 6in athlete, trains like a demon, strong as a bull, and wild as a badger. He’s going to cause problems. World champion kickboxer. I don’t know who said he had no chance,” John told Secondsout about Usyk’s Verhoeven fight against the much bigger.

Fury also pointed to the size disadvantage Usyk has consistently overcome since moving up from cruiserweight.

“You have to give Usyk credit because he’s just a cruiserweight blowing up, you know, and he won the heavyweight titles, didn’t he? But you know what? He just seems to get the job done, doesn’t he? And he got the job done. So, fair play to Usyk.”

However, Fury remained critical of the controversial finish, arguing that Verhoeven’s corner should have been allowed to determine whether their fighter was fit to continue in the final round.

Verhoeven has since called for a rematch, although Usyk’s immediate future remains uncertain. The undefeated champion has been ordered by the WBC to make a mandatory defense against Agit Kabayel, failing to do so puts his title reign at risk.