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Oleksandr Usyk Reveals ‘Real Reason’ Rico Verhoeven Fight Was So Close

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Unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has taken to social media to explain the ‘real reason’ why his controversial bout with kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven was so close.

The Ukrainian hero emerged with an 11th round stoppage victory in the pair’s bout on Saturday night, which took place directly in front of the Pyramids of Giza in northern Egypt. However, his victory wasn’t without controversy.

Verhoeven stunned the boxing world by producing a sublime performance to push Usyk hard throughout the opening 10 rounds. Most felt that the 37-year-old held a clear lead heading into the championship rounds, although the official judges’ scorecards were far closer than some expected.

The Dutch striker refused to let Usyk settle into the fight, with his constant aggression catching the eye. For a fighter competing in just his second sanctioned boxing match, it was an incredible effort.

The Controversial Ending of Usyk vs Verhoeven

Verhoeven’s impressive performance made the manner in which he was stopped all the more frustrating. Usyk dropped his opponent towards the end of the 11th round, but it looked as though Rico was going to survive and see the end of the round.

However, he was denied the chance to get back to his corner as referee Mark Lyson called a halt to the contest, despite the fact Verhoeven looked to be intelligently defending himself. Even more heartbreakingly for Rico, footage later emerged showing that the official had actually stopped the fight after the end of the round.

Although Usyk managed to successfully defend his WBC Heavyweight Championship, he was arguably given the hardest fight of his career by Verhoeven in a twist that few saw coming ahead of the bout.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Tweet on His Performance vs Rico Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk

Posting on Twitter/X on Sunday morning, Usyk offered a cheeky explanation for his under-par performance. The 39-year-old declared:

“They say it was tense watching my fight with Rico. Guys, I just didn’t want you to be bored, come on.”

While Usyk was happy to poke fun at his close shave, Verhoeven was far from amused with the outcome of the fight. The Dutchman was unhappy with both the stoppage and the scorecards of the ringside judges, but kept things respectful in a post-bout statement on social media.

Two judges had the fight level at 95-95, with the third having it 96-94 to Verhoeven at the time the action was halted.

Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has demanded that Usyk face Verhoeven again to settle the controversy. If they do rematch, the Ukrainian will likely need to show far more than he did on Saturday night to get the job done.

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The Truth About Vini JR with Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs

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Fabrizio Romano joins Market Madness with major updates on Rodri to Barcelona, Bradley Barcola to Liverpool and Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also delivers a blunt verdict on Gianni Infantino as FIFA’s leadership crisis deepens.

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Fabrizio Romano Shares What He’s Hearing on Man Utd’s Next Signing

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Manchester United are looking at signing a left-back in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast.

The Red Devils have prioritised a midfield rebuild all summer and completed deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £83m, from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. The club has also brought in Karl Darlow for their goalkeeper department, which has allowed Altay Bayindir to join Celta Vigo on loan, while young winger Tynan Thompson has also joined from Tottenham.

Reports have suggested the club are still keen to bring in at least one more midfielder during this window, having seen Casemiro join Inter Miami at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte suffer a serious knee injury at the World Cup, but it is not the only position the club are looking at.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Romano: Movement in Next Weeks for Man Utd Signing

lewis hall england via Reuters

Question marks remain over the future of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee in attack, with both players linked with moves away before the September 1st deadline. That has seen the club linked with a move to bring in a new forward to ensure they aren’t short on numbers, having qualified for the Champions League.

However, left-back is a position that is reportedly featuring more prominently in discussions behind the scenes, with Newcastle United star Lewis Hall earmarked as a top target.

While appearing on the Market Madness podcast (Aug 6), Romano was asked about the business United could do in the final weeks of the window, and revealed that left-back is something they are looking at doing, although it may not end up being Hall.

“They are looking at left backs, so I think also in that position there could be some movement in the next weeks,” he said.

“It’s not easy for Lewis Hall because Newcastle now want to keep the player after making profit with Bruno Guimarães, but for sure Man United are looking at that position.”

Lewis Hall Premier League Defensive Stats (per 90)

Appearances

24(6)

Minutes

2181

Tackles

1.8

Interceptions

0.9

Clearances

2.6

Blocks

0.5

Lewis Hall Top Man Utd Target

Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall

Hall is a very highly-rated defender, and he earned the praise of Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney after Newcastle claimed a draw with Barcelona in the Champions League last season.

“First of all, I thought you were terrific tonight,” he said. “We were talking about it before the game, the challenge you had ahead of you against Yamal, and I thought you were brilliant.”

It’s been reported that Hall is the top target at Man Utd for the left-back position, but after bringing in around £240m for Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, it’s no surprise that Newcastle are not interested in selling.

But Hall, 21, is understood to be unhappy at St James’ Park after a fallout with previous manager Eddie Howe, and GMS understands he would be open to a move to Old Trafford.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – Correct as of 06/08/2026.

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Arsenal More Keen on Ezri Konsa Than Liverpool

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Arsenal and Liverpool are both keen on Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa this summer, with the Gunners holding a stronger interest, Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast.

The Gunners have had a decent summer window, completing deals for Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis, while an agreement is in place with Newcastle United for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes too. But the team have been rocked by William Saliba picking up a back injury, which could see him ruled out until 2027.

That has seen the Premier League champions look at options in the market to strengthen their defence, and England international Konsa is someone who has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Romano: Arsenal and Liverpool Like Konsa

Ezri Konsa David Butler / IMAGN Images via Reuters

Konsa, who has been described as ‘elite’ by Breaking the Lines, emerged as a target following his performances at the World Cup, but talks with Villa saw a £60m valuation, which was seen as too high.

That reportedly opened the door to Liverpool, who are looking for a senior replacement for Ibrahima Konate after he left on a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer, and they are considering the former Watford star as an option too.

While appearing on the GIVEMESPORT Market Madness podcast, reliable transfer guru Fabrizio Romano was asked about the situation involving the 28-year-old defender, and admitted that it’s Arsenal who are pushing the hardest currently.

“They [Arsenal] will be busy for sure,” he said. “I’m sure.

“On some of the names you ask me: on Konsa, I’m told there is more interest from Arsenal than Liverpool at this stage, but let’s see.

“Still [a] long [time to go]. I think both clubs will be keen on defenders, so there will be movements from now [until] the end of the window.”

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Rogers: Konsa ‘One of the Best’ Defenders

England's Ezri Konsa and John Stones embrace before the match vs Croatia England’s Ezri Konsa and John Stones via Reuters/Maria Lysaker

Konsa has seen his reputation within the game grow over the last two seasons in particular, establishing himself as a regular under Unai Emery and Thomas Tuchel at the heart of their defences.

His performances for Aston Villa last season saw him make 48 appearances in all competitions, as the team finished fourth in the Premier League and ended a 30-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League. He has also earned the respect of his teammates, with Morgan Rogers singing his praises recently.

Ezri Konsa Defensive Stats at World Cup 2026 (per 90)

Appearances

7(1)

Minutes

647

Tackles

0.6

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2.4

Blocks

0.5

“I think he’s one of the best centre-backs in football, if I’m honest.”

“I think at this World Cup, the ability that he’s got and everything that he can do as a centre-back. He never gets beaten, strong in the air, strong in the tackle, unbelievable on the ball. I honestly don’t know a flaw in his game.

“I think that [him not getting enough credit] has helped Villa in terms of nobody from a bigger club taking him in the last few years. I think that’s helped us because I honestly don’t know a problem in his game.”

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 06/08/2026

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