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Usyk-Rico Aftermath: The Day Is Coming When a Top Boxer Loses a Novel Fight.

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Author: Sean Crose

Perhaps none of us should be surprised by what happened in Egypt tonight. Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight king, had the fight of his life against Dutch kickboxer and virtual boxing newcomer Rico Verhoeven against the backdrop of the Great Pyramids of this country. It was supposed to be a novel fight, but Verhoeven took all the novelty out of it and turned it into a real fight. Much of this is due to the Dutchman, who rose to the challenge even though he lost after a controversial break in the 11th round.

On Saturday he was something, Rico was. Oddly enough, he reminded me of those elderly Jack Dempsey movies with that crouching position, his jumping and weaving, and his effective aggression. He seemed to land more often than Usuk until the very end when the lineal champion went down and then broke his determined Dutch foil. This stoppage was reminiscent of Larry Holmes’ stoppage of Ronaldo Snipes in 1981. This particular stoppage featured an all-time great champion and challenger who drastically exceeded expectations. Sound familiar? Snipes, however, was a talented boxer. This was Rico’s second appearance as a conventional boxer. They may have a lot in common, but Saturday’s stoppage was more stunning than Holmes’ 1981 stoppage of Snipes.

Of course, this isn’t the first time an established and celebrated boxer has found himself in a scary situation with a newcomer. A few years ago, Tyson Fury fell and was almost defeated by Francis Ngannou. And let’s not forget the pathetic image of a devastated Evander Holyfield caught by an MMA fighter. This wasn’t shocking though, as everyone knew it was all over at Holyfield. This aging champion was past his best and probably shouldn’t have returned to the ring to begin with.

Saturday was completely different. Usyk may not be a newborn man anymore, but he’s certainly not a spent fighter. However, it looks like its best days are behind it. It’s challenging to blame the man for almost losing to the likes of Rico when he twice defeated the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony, Joshua and Daniel Dubois. Usyk has some biography and, as I mentioned earlier, he had the right to fight a supposedly uncomplicated fight. This fight, however, did not turn out to be so uncomplicated. Sure, Usyk won, but he certainly didn’t look good doing it.

This leads to the idea that one day, sooner rather than later, a top fighter like Usyk or someone like him will lose an vital, creative fight. In boxing, you can only play with fire many times and it is only a matter of time before an MMA fighter, former boxer or YouTuber, or someone else, beats an established boxer at his own game. That friends won’t be a good night for boxing. However, don’t expect these creative fights to stop. There is too much money at stake for anyone to put an end to this. Moreover, many boxers still consider such endeavors to be uncomplicated work.

If someone is going to fight in an creative fight, they should follow Anthony Joshua’s example of how to efficiently deal with a tough and talented, but inexperienced opponent. When he faced Ngannou after Fury did, he absolutely, definitely beat the man. Ngannou landed flat on his back. Why? Because Joshua took everything seriously. Boxing needs to grow up and realize that sometimes a complete underdog can beat the reigning king.

I will repeat once again that it is only a matter of time.

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

Derek Chisora accused Dana White of operating like a “slave owner,” but Conor Benn’s lucrative move to Zuffa Boxing offers a substantial counterpoint to the heavyweight’s attack.

Chisora’s complaint centered on White turning fighters away from his platform. That hardly explains the comparison, especially with Benn reportedly collecting $15 million for his first Zuffa appearance alone.

“Dana White is not my cup of tea, to be honest with you,” Chisora said in an interview with Fight Hub TV following the Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua press conference. “Because the way he operates is just, he operates like a slave owner, man. You know, fighters want to fight on his platform. He tells them, ‘You’re not good enough for me, so go away.’ What is a fighter going to do? What is he going to do after that? That’s not right.”

Benn’s experience makes that accusation difficult to defend. His reported $15 million purse for facing Regis Prograis was followed by a world-title opportunity against Ryan Garcia. White’s platform has delivered both substantial money and a major fight for the British welterweight.

One boxer’s earnings cannot answer every question about a promoter’s treatment of fighters. But Chisora supplied no named example to support his accusation. Benn gives readers something concrete to weigh against it.

Chisora also argued that a fighter who performs poorly one night can improve the next time. Fair enough. Promoters still have to decide whom to sign, how many places they can offer, and which fights they want to stage. Wanting a contract does not create an entitlement to one.

His example concerns access to White’s platform, rather than restrictions imposed on someone already fighting there. Those are different issues, and Chisora never explained how rejection justified his language.

Asked about the dispute between Eddie Hearn and White, Chisora made his personal dislike clear. What he failed to provide was an argument strong enough to carry such a loaded accusation.

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Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown

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"Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown"

The long-awaited, all-British heavyweight blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is officially set for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Backed by Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the defining clash will see both men pocket a career-high purse and settle the debate – to a degree – of this generation’s best UK heavyweight.

After more than a decade of false starts and fractured negotiations, the two former heavyweight champions will finally settle their rivalry in what promises to be the biggest commercial event in British boxing history. Broadcast rights have been secured by Netflix for a global audience and Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao may appear on the undercard, despite turning 49 one week after the event.

Crucially, Joshua’s camp held firm during negotiations to ensure the bout remained on domestic soil. Despite the potential for more lucrative offers overseas, ‘AJ’ refused to budge on the location, and the pair meet today in London to make it official.

Fans can watch live via the stream below, with the proceedings expected to kick off at 6 PM – though delays and gamesmanship may be a factor.