Rico Verhoeven says he wants an apology and a rematch with heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk after what he calls a controversial stoppage in their Saturday title fight. Multiple outlets report that Verhoeven believes he was performing strongly and pushed Usyk all the way, while also describing himself as the “uncrowned king.” He is calling on officials to acknowledge the decision and provide an apology connected to the stoppage.
The reports describe Verhoeven’s request in the context of Usyk’s status as heavyweight world champion. Verhoeven is seeking a second bout to resolve the outcome of the first fight, which ended prematurely according to his view. While the outlets focus on his reaction, they also indicate that the stoppage is contested and has prompted his demands for both official review and a rematch.
Overall, the consistent theme across sources is Verhoeven’s insistence that the fight should be revisited, combining a call for accountability from officials with his push to face Usyk again.
