Over the weekend, Rico Verhoeven came very close to a victory that would shock the boxing world; This victory was controversially overturned by referee Mark Lyson, who stopped the fight after the bell signaled the end of the 11th round. Now the reasoning behind Lyson’s decision has been revealed.

Rico Verhoeven almost became this generation’s Buster Douglas as his unconventional style caused problems for the well-trained and dominant world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who narrowly avoided a shocking first defeat of his career.

However, at the end of the 11th round, Usyk caused a storm that caused Lyson to intervene, even though the stoppage came after the bell. As a result, many boxing fans were furious with the decision, and Verhoeven plans to appeal.

Although talking to iFL TelevisionVerhoeven’s trainer, Peter Fury, appeared to sympathize with Lyson, sharing details of their post-fight conversation, during which the referee admitted he did not hear the bell.

“He said to me, which is very vital, he said: ‘Peter, I didn’t hear the bell.’ Now I believe it, because I didn’t hear the bell either, I didn’t hear the bell! I thought that was it [rang] like two seconds ago, because I only say what people tell me in the ring, I was more focused on the fight itself.

“I think he realized he made a mistake. He said, ‘I did what I thought I had to do, he did.’ [Verhoeven] I was shaking and had to protect the warrior, but I didn’t hear the bell.”

Time will tell if Verhoeven will get his rematch, but It looks like Usyk will face mandatory WBC title challenger Agit Kabayel next.

Canelo Alvarez wants Jaime Munguia to step into his role when he retires as Mexican boxing’s next star, but many fans believe David Benavidez earned the position years ago.

“I hope and would love to pass the torch to Munguia. Why not?” – Canelo said on the Mr. podcast. Verzace.

The reaction online was mixed, with many fans saying it wasn’t Canelo’s decision. Others pointed to Benavidez, who spent years fighting top contenders in the super middleweight division before moving up to 175 pounds, where he later won titles against a stronger opponent than Munguia.

Munguia’s biggest problem is that the super middleweight division is filled with risky fighters that fans expect him to face before anyone will accept him as the next Mexican superstar.

Osleys Iglesias, Christian Mbilli, Diego Pacheco, Hamzah Sheeraz and Benavidez are viewed as legitimate threats in the 168 or nearby weight classes. Unlike Canelo, Munguia doesn’t have built-in popularity over the years or a long championship streak that would shield him from criticism if he avoids these types of fights.

The reality became even harsher after Munguia’s knockout loss to Bruno Surace in December 2024. Although Munguia gained revenge for the defeat, critics still see the first fight as a major red flag, as Surace was viewed as a beatable opponent at the time.

Munguia returned later that month to defeat Armando Resendiz to win the WBA belt, but many fans still don’t consider his record mighty enough to overtake Benavidez as Canelo’s likely successor.

The discussion can only intensify depending on what happens on September 12, when Canelo will face Christian Mbilli in Riyada. Mbilli is younger, aggressive, throws combinations non-stop and is viewed by many fans as one of the most risky fighters at 168. Canelo’s defeat will likely accelerate the debate over who will truly be the next large Mexican boxing star.

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Last update: 26/05/2026 at 12:29

Teddy Atlas revealed who he thinks will be the next huge boxing star.

Atlas knows a thing or two about helping discover major stars, having worked with a newborn Mike Tyson early in his career and also training fighters like Michael Moorer and Tim Bradley.

In addition to his training career, Atlas has also become an extremely respected analyst, which is why boxing fans always respect his expert knowledge of the sport.

With that in mind, Atlas revealed who he believes has what it takes to become one of boxing’s next flagship stars: newly crowned WBO super middleweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz.

On Saturday, Sheeraz became world champion for the first time he knocked out the unannounced Alem Begić in two rounds to secure vacant title in the pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Although Atlas was critical of the duel, he published on social media praised Sheeraz and gave him numerous successes.

“The way these organizations put fighters into title fights is truly absurd, but Sheeraz did what he had to do and got rid of him quickly. He’s the next star in the sport!”

Sheeraz has won 23 of his 24 fights, 19 of them by knockout, with his only blemish coming when he drew with Carlos Adames for the WBC middleweight title in February 2025.

Since moving up to 168 pounds, Sheeraz has looked extremely impressive and could be ready for a fight with Canelo Alvarez in the future, but first the Mexican superstar challenges Christian Mbilla for the WBC super middleweight title in September.