Controversy! Ngannou claims kickboxing icon was unfairly treated against boxing legend: 'We'll never win'

Ngannou and Verhoeven together after training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/francis_ngannou

Last Saturday (23), combat sports fans witnessed a very rare super fight, but its outcome ended up overshadowing the greatness of the encounter. In Egypt, in front of the Giza Pyramids, Oleksandr Usyk, boxing legend, received Rico Verhoeven, kickboxing star, in the ring and knocked him out in the 11th round. However, many claimed that the referee's stoppage was premature and Francis Ngannou I agree with that view.

On his official 'X' account, Ngannou stated that Verhoeven was wronged against Usyk and implied that his fate was sealed even before the fight took place. It's worth noting that many boxing fans and professionals judged the Dutchman to be so superior in the fight that he would only lose if he was knocked out.

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Facing a delicate situation in the ring, the Ukrainian went on the attack in the penultimate round and launched a blitz on his opponent, who didn't fall and seemed able to continue the fight. Even so, the referee ended the duel, declaring Usyk the winner. Upon seeing this outcome, the Cameroonian recalled that, when he ventured into boxing, against Tyson Fury In 2023, he lost by split decision, but he impressed so much that many considered him a true winner.

“Fighters from outside (other sports) will never win (in boxing), believe me. I know. Rico was the winner. Period,” wrote the former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg).

Deployment

With the victory, Usyk remained undefeated in boxing, with 25 wins, and defended his heavyweight titles. However, due to the controversy, there is a chance the Ukrainian will give Verhoeven an immediate rematch.

Furthermore, the boxing legend made a point of acknowledging the Dutchman's skill and described him as his toughest opponent. The kickboxing icon, meanwhile, showed fair play and, despite the controversial result, congratulated 'The Cat'.

Ngannou and Verhoeven during training. Photo: Reproduction/X/francis_ngannou