UK Boxing
Eddie Hearn’s verdict on Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Rico Verhoeven
Eddie Hearn detailed Oleksandr Usyk’s stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven.
Verhoeven pushed Usyk until the 11th round, causing many to question the Ukrainian’s preparation. However, Hearn disagreed.
Last weekend, he became the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion of the world returned during a historic event organized by Turki Alalshikh and The Ring magazine in front of the historic Giza Pyramids.
Usyk faced kickboxing icon Verhoeven in a fight that many thought would be straightforward for the champion, but it wasn’t.
The Dutchman gave a phenomenal performance and, in the eyes of many people, gave Usyk the toughest test of his career so far.
Hearn spoke to Fighting Hub TV and praised the challenger’s performance.
“You can’t take anything away from Rico, what he did was amazing.
“He was so unconventional, that’s one of the arduous things for a boxer, but normally Usyk would adapt to the style and find a way.
“I thought he was behind after 10 rounds. I thought the break was early, I thought the bell rang.
“He was unbelievable, so astute against the smartest in Usyk. It was great.”
Controversy surrounding the victory emerged already during the break. Verhoeven was ahead on many people’s scorecards and was eliminated in the 11th round with just 10 seconds left.
Usyk set up a series of attacks and referee Mark Lyson stepped in to stop the fight, even though the final shots appeared to have been thrown after the buzzer.
Although Hearn believed Verhoeven was in danger and could have been stopped in the final round, he believed the referee’s decision was wrong.
“I think he probably would have stopped him in the 12th minute, but we were robbed of finding out about it and Rico deserved to see what he could do in the 12th.”
Many questioned the winner’s preparation and whether he had taken Verhoeven seriously beforehand. Hearn provided insight into what could have changed during this camp.
“I think Usyk will always take it seriously, but the reality is he’s a guy who values legacy and this was a money fight.
“It wasn’t a fight he asked for, it was a fight that was presented to him and they said, ‘Yes, we’ll take it.’
“The others talked about legacy, about becoming a two-time, three-time undisputed world champion.”
Following Usyk’s victory, his next step remains unknown, but the promoter has outlined what he believes the ideal route will be before the 39-year-old finally leaves the sport.
“If I were Usyk, I would have a rematch with Rico Verhoeven right away in the Netherlands and probably end my career there.
“I don’t think he has to fight Kabayel, who is a great fighter, but what does he have to prove?”
The post Eddie Hearn’s Verdict on Oleksandr Usyk’s Rico Verhoeven Victory appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
UK Boxing
Re: Official Negotiating Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship – DevinHaney (champion) vs. Keyshawn Davis (#1 challenger)
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June 30, 2026
Re: Official Negotiation Order – Mandatory WBO Welterweight Championship Contest – Devin
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The official record holder
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
- Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
- Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
- Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
- Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
- Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
- Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
- Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
- Win in round 1: 100/1
- Win in round 2: 100/1
- Win in round 3: 100/1
- Win in round 4: 100/1
- Win in round 5: 100/1
- To win in round 6: 100/1
- To win in round 7: 80/1
- To win in round 8: 80/1
- To win round 9: 66/1
- To win in round 10: 66/1
- To win round 11: 66/1
- To win in round 12: 80/1
- To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Jaron Ennis
- To win round 1: 80/1
- Win in round 2: 50/1
- Win in round 3: 40/1
- To win in round 4: 28/1
- To win in round 5: 20/1
- To win in round 6: 16/1
- Win in round 7: 12/12
- To win in round 8: 1/11
- To win in round 9: 10/1
- To win in round 10: 10/1
- To win in round 11: 10/1
- To win in round 12: 1/11
- Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
The post Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
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The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
The post Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro – Gigantic Fight Preview and Predictions appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.
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