Sports
Oleksandr Usyk Set to Fight Agit Kabayel Next After Rico Verhoeven Controversy
Oleksandr Usyk has quickly entered the conversation of the best heavyweight boxers in the history of the sport.
The Ukrainian is the current unified heavyweight champion, knocking out Daniel Dubois in 2025 to achieve this honour for the second time, becoming the first boxer since the legendary Muhammad Ali to do so. He has also held the undisputed championship in two different weight classes, cruiserweight and heavyweight, the first boxer to achieve this feat since Evander Holyfield in 1990.
Usyk is also the first and only cruiserweight and heavyweight boxer in history to hold the world titles of all four major sanctioning bodies in the four-belt era. He has beaten some of the best boxers of the current generation, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
However, during his most recent fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, he appeared to be lacking his usual confidence, which led to a seriously controversial victory.
Oleksandr Usyk’s Win Over Rico Verhoeven Comes With Controversy
Verhoeven is regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. When fighting under the Glory promotion, the Dutchman was their longest-reigning heavyweight champion and had defended his title a record 13 times.
The King of Kickboxing had, however, only had one professional boxing fight in 2014 before taking on Usyk, winning by knockout over Janos Finfera, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell that, and he was actually up on the judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
Anthony Joshua Gives Strong Verdict on Oleksandr Usyk’s Controversial Stoppage of Rico Verhoeven
AJ was sat ringside for the heavyweight contest in Egypt, and spoke about the end result in the aftermath.
Usyk looked vulnerable, with Verhoeven impressing on the night and getting the better of his more experienced opponent. It seemed inevitable that the 37-year-old was going to make history with an almighty upset.
But a good title fight is never without its controversy and Verhoeven would learn this only too well. In the 11th round, Usyk had a burst of tenacity, striking with a fierce uppercut that sent his rival to the ground before pummelling him with heavy punches that left the Dutchman reeling.
The sustained impact of the punches led to the referee, Mark Lyson, stopping the fight, ruling a victory for Usyk by technical knockout, despite the stoppage seemingly coming after the bell had rung to end the round.
The kickboxing legend didn’t appreciate the stoppage, feeling that the fight had ended prematurely. Due to that, he now desires a rematch with The Cat, but will he get what he wants?
Oleksandr Uysk’s Next Fight
Another heavyweight contender feels his name should be next on Usyk’s fight calendar, and he’s made no secret of this. As the dust settled on Usyk’s controversial win at the Pyramids of Giza, Agit Kabayel entered the fray, climbing into the ring.
Kabayal holds the WBC interim heavyweight title after he became the first person to stop Zhilei Zhang and has a boxing record of 27-0 with 19 knockouts.
New Footage Posted By Turki Alalshikh Shows How Controversial Oleksandr Usyk Stoppage Really Was
The footage posted on X has led to Turki having to turn off all comments on his post.
He wants to fight Usyk in his native Germany, appearing in a German football shirt and saying: “I have waited so long for this fight. I am ready, and I think Germany is ready for the fight. Let’s do it in a German stadium. I think all the fans want it.”
Usyk replied: “Let’s do it, no problem. I am ready, brother.”
Kabayal’s manager, Spencer Brown, claimed that his client would be the one to fight Usyk, stating: “It’s going to be ordered, they are going to fight.
“I am speechless at Rico; it was an unbelievable performance, but there is a new challenger now. He is in line now; there can only be one fight.
“They have both agreed to it, let’s get it on. They are both ready. Whenever they want, I am hoping in September or October in Germany.”
Verhoeven is clearly expected to just move aside for Kabayal, with boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh wanting Usyk to fight the German first and then rematch the Dutchman. Ultimately, though, he did admit that the decision would be Usyk’s, with the Ukrainian twice vacating titles and relinquishing his undisputed status just to avoid mandatory challenges.
With all that considered, Usyk has a conundrum on his hands as he waves Egypt goodbye, but who will be standing in the opposite corner next time he fights?
Sports
Manchester United Consider U-Turn on Third Midfielder Signing
Manchester United have been linked with signing a third midfielder in the summer transfer window, but they could be about to make a U-turn on their decision.
The Red Devils have already strengthened significantly in the middle of the park as they look to improve Michael Carrick’s squad.
Youri Tielemans has arrived from Aston Villa after United activated his release clause, while they’ve also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Despite the double midfield signing, United were reportedly in the market to sign a third player in the middle of the park.
Manchester United also need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch if they want to compete on all fronts next season. It’ll be interesting to see what position they prioritise next.
Man Utd plan possible U-turn
According to a report from The Athletic, it was anticipated that Manchester United would look to sign a third midfielder during the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the United hierarchy are considering whether to put that money into other positions, particularly with Mason Mount being one of their best performers during pre-season.
It’s claimed that it is now not certain that another player arrives in midfield, with United plotting a potential U-turn.
United could look to put that money into signing a new left back, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall a player under consideration.
The two additional midfielders signed in the summer window could be enough, but they will be desperately hoping they don’t suffer any serious injuries.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
United could kill two birds with one stone
Manchester United could kill two birds with one stone when it comes to the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.
As mentioned, United have been in the market for both a midfielder and a left back. If they sign a player capable of playing both, then it could be perfect.
Reports have suggested that United are interested in signing Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, who does fit into that category.
The English youngster predominantly played left-back during his time at the Emirates Stadium, but he’s also slotted into midfield as well.
Whether they can poach him from the Gunners remains to be seen, but it could be the idea of signing this summer.
Sports
UFC Lost $30m Hosting Freedom 250 at White House
Just under two months on from UFC Freedom 250 hosted at the White House, UFC’s owners have revealed how much money was ultimately lost due to the costs of hosting the once-in-a-lifetime event.
Due to the overall costs of the event, and the fact that no tickets were released for sale, the hierarchy of the UFC expected a significant loss in profits, but the company still managed to achieve overall growth during the second quarter of 2026.
On Monday, the 3rd of August, TKO Group Holdings released its finances for the second quarter of the year, which included what was expected to be heavy losses from UFC Freedom 250 in spite of the money they were able to regain through sponsors and many other partnerships with the UFC brand.
Statements Released About UFC’s Finances
A brief statement was also released by the company, which read: “With regards to UFC Freedom 250, we incurred significantly higher than normal costs, which we partially offset with sold-out global partnerships inventory.”
TKO’s chief financial officer also revealed the total costs and losses of hosting a UFC event at the White House: “As a reminder, we did not sell tickets and, therefore, did not record any live events revenue.
“Given the events profile, which as anticipated, resulted in an approximate $30 million loss, our margins at UFC as well as on a consolidated basis were meaningfully impacted.”
Prior to the event taking place, many expected the UFC to lose around $60 million. However, the final losses were cut and lessened by the various sponsorships and partnerships that the UFC managed to attract and benefit from.
UFC’s Revenue Increased Despite White House Losses
Despite the hefty losses, TKO reported that the UFC’s revenue increased by 29% year over year, and that the company increased its revenues from $119.8 million to $535.7 million for the second quater of 2026, including an increase in media rights revenue, heavily provided by a brand-new deal with broadcast and production company Paramount.
As expected, the one-time event at the White House would cause a significant loss to the profits and finances of the UFC. However, the recent financial update from TKO has revealed that the $30 million cost of hosting the event would not affect and damage the company and its finances over the long-term future.
With the UFC in safe hands financially for the foreseeable future, the owners and producers can afford to take risks such as the event in Washington and, despite losses, can be regarded as a success.
Sports
Liverpool in Talks to Sign PSG Defender Zabarnyi Alongside Barcola
Liverpool have held talks to sign another Paris Saint-Germain star alongside Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window.
It’s no secret that Liverpool are in the market to sign a new winger in the summer transfer window after Mohammed Salah left the club a few months ago.
PSG winger Barcola appears to be a priority target for the Reds, with Fabrizio Romano confirming they are working on a deal to secure his signature.
The Reds could also look to reinforce other areas in the coming weeks as they prepare to head back in the right direction next season.
It was a disappointing 25-26 campaign for Liverpool, despite managing to just about qualify for the Champions League.
Liverpool in PSG double deal talks
According to a report from Dave Ockop, Liverpool have held talks with the representatives of Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have been made aware that there could be an opportunity to explore a deal for the defender.
His camp is presenting him as an option, and talks have been ongoing over the last few days after he was frozen out towards the end of last season by Luis Enrique.
It is claimed that PSG will be looking to at least get their money back for Zabarnyi if they do lose him this summer.
He made the move from Bournemouth for a fee of around £57 million, so it could be an expensive deal for Liverpool to get over the line.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Centre-back signing could be necessary
Signing a new centre-back during the summer transfer window could be crucial for Liverpool.
The Reds already lost Ibrahima Konate after his contract expired, leaving them short of options in defence.
Jeremy Jacquet did arrive, but he has been recovering from a long-term injury. It’s unclear whether he can instantly adapt to Premier League football.
Joe Gomez is another option in the center-back position for Liverpool, but he recently suffered an injury that would keep him out of their opening Premier League game.
Gomez isn’t out for a long period and isn’t a starter in the Liverpool side, but he’s still a backup option who does tend to suffer from regular injury troubles.
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