Sports

Oleksandr Usyk Set to Fight Agit Kabayel Next After Rico Verhoeven Controversy

Published

8 hours ago

May 24, 2026

admin

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

Tottenham Set to Sign Liverpool’s Andy Robertson After Premier League Survival

Published

6 minutes ago

May 24, 2026

admin

Tottenham are now set to secure their first signing of the summer after their place in next season’s Premier League was confirmed.

The work starts now for Roberto De Zerbi, and Tottenham as they look to head back in the right direction after a dismal few years.

The summer transfer window is the opportunity for them to rebuild and go again, as they can’t afford to be battling for relegation anymore.

A host of players are likely to leave the club, but that also means they will bring in a load of new additions.

It could be one of Tottenham’s busiest windows in their recent history, as many players will be wanting to leave due to a lack of European football.

Spurs will also need to strengthen after such a poor run, so we could see a number of incomings and outgoings this summer.

Jamie O’Hara Never Wants to See ‘Woeful’ Tottenham Star Play for the Club Again

The Tottenham midfielder didn’t hold back.

Tottenham to Secure First Summer Signing

According to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs, Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is set to join Tottenham now their Premier League status is secure.

Robertson, described as ‘elite’, is set to be a free agent, with his contract at Liverpool expiring.

The Scottish international said goodbye to Liverpool fans at Anfield on Sunday, with him and Mohamed Salah both leaving the club.

Tottenham looked to secure Robertson earlier in the year, but with Spurs battling to stay in the Premier League, a deal wasn’t guaranteed.

Strong Start to Window for Tottenham

Securing the signature of Robertson on a free transfer is a strong start to the summer transfer window for Tottenham.

The Scottish left-back will bring plenty of Premier League experience to the club and a winning mentality after securing a host of trophies during his time at Anfield.

Although he is coming to the end of his career, there is no doubt he can still offer something in the Premier League, both on and off the pitch.

Tottenham certainly can’t stop there, though, as they need to bring in a host of players all over the pitch in order to head back in the right direction.

Sports

Tottenham Preparing For Life After Cristian Romero As Club Relationship ‘Strained’

Published

21 minutes ago

May 24, 2026

admin

Tottenham are preparing for life after Cristian Romero, as TeamTalk has reported that the club are making moves behind the scenes to help facilitate an exit.

The centre-back has been with the North London club since 2022, growing into an important presence in the backline in the four years he has spent there.

The 28-year-old has made over 150 appearances for Spurs, in which he became club captain and led the team to Europa League glory last year.

However, frustrations have grown with Romero, as Tottenham’s scare with Premier League relegation has only highlighted concerns with the Argentina international.

Even with survival confirmed, it appears as though the club captain is now set for an exit, with clubs circling a possible deal.

Tottenham Ready To Sell Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero in action for Tottenham Hotspur

Romero’s potential exit comes as little surprise, but TeamTalk reports that Tottenham are actively making moves to help push through a deal this summer.

It’s claimed that Spurs have instructed intermediaries to complete a move, with the relationship internally between the club and player described as “strained” after recent weeks.

That comes after controversy behind the scenes between Romero and Tottenham, after reports claimed he would be in Argentina over the weekend to watch his boyhood club Belgrano take on River Plate in an important fixture, with the title on the line.

However, the defender made a return to England and was present for his club’s final match of the season against Everton, which saw the Lilywhites avoid relegation in tense circumstances.

Romero’s possible exit comes despite the importance that Roberto De Zerbi outlined for the centre-back when he initially took the job at Tottenham.

Speaking to NBC Sports in April, the Spurs manager said: “I think Cuti is crucial for us, crucial for Tottenham as a club. He is the captain, he is maybe the most important player in our squad, and to achieve our goal, we need the best of Romero.”

Atletico Madrid have been described as the most likely destination, while Barcelona have also been linked with a switch for the star.

Tottenham Need Defensive Reinforcements

While Romero looks set to make an exit this summer, he may not be the only Tottenham star from the backline who could leave the club.

Micky van de Ven is a defender in-demand, having been linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester United, while Radu Dragusin is another player who could leave.

That means reinforcements are needed, with Marcos Senesi set to join Tottenham as the first signing of the summer after agreeing a deal so long as relegation was avoided.

With no European football, there is less need to sign quite as many options for depth, but another starting defender would be needed to bolster the team.

It remains to be seen who will be in contention, with clear upgrades needed across the squad.

Sports

West Ham Release Official Club Statement After Relegation

Published

45 minutes ago

May 24, 2026

admin

West Ham have released an official club statement after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

Despite securing a 3-0 victory over Leeds on the final day of the season, the Hammers have now been relegated to the Championship after Tottenham sealed a 1-0 win over Everton.

It’s been a dismal season for the capital club, and they went into the final day with minimal chance of securing survival.

The relegation battle was completely in Tottenham’s hands heading into the final day of the season, realistically needing just a point due to their superior goal difference.

Even a convincing 3-0 win wasn’t enough for West Ham, and the club have now released an official statement.

Jarrod Bowen Drops Big Hint Over His Future in Honest Interview After West Ham’s Relegation

West Ham’s talismanic forward speaks out after the Hammers suffer relegation to the Championship

West Ham Release Official Statement

After their relegation to the Championship was confirmed, West Ham released an official club statement on their website, thanking the supporters for their backing during a painful season. The Hammers admit the mistakes they’ve made and suggest that the hard work begins immediately.

“The confirmation of our relegation from the Premier League today marks a sad and painful moment for West Ham United.

The Club wishes to sincerely thank every single one of our supporters for the constant and loyal backing they have given, throughout what has been an extremely difficult and disappointing season.

Ultimately, we have not repaid that support. The plain truth is that we have not been good enough. We must now face the consequences of that failure with honesty, transparency and a determination to repair, refocus and rebuild.

West Ham United is a football club whose unique identity is defined not by success or failure on the pitch, but by the values and traditions of our roots in east London, and by the spirit of the people who have Claret and Blue in their hearts. The Club acknowledges how challenging this season has been for them and knows it must take steps to restore a sense of pride, faith and belief.

As we have done before, we will fight with everything we have to return to the top division of English football at the first time of asking. The hard work to make that goal a reality begins immediately.”

It is interesting that the Hammers have decided to speak so soon after relegation, but it’s refreshing that they wanted to send a message to supporters straight away.

This statement might not mean a lot to fans at the moment, as they will be heartbroken due to the situation.

Nuno Speaks Out After Relegation

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has also spoken out following the relegation, refusing to answer questions about his future.

“It’s not about me. We are in a tough place and West Ham has to go back in the Premier League. But now we have to go through this period of sadness, understanding the frustration and anger of the fans. You keep insisting [to ask] me about that and my mind is not there, you understand? Today, tomorrow, if we have a press conference, next one, for sure we can speak about that. But today, it’s about understanding how tough it is.”

It remains to be seen whether Nuno is going to stay in his job following West Ham’s relegation, and it’s no surprise that he refused to comment.

West Ham fans will undoubtedly be disappointed with the job Nuno has done since arriving at the club, as the only goal for the Spanish manager was to avoid relegation.

Now, it’s about West Ham bouncing back up as soon as possible.