Would Anthony Joshua Beat Rico Verhoeven?! Gareth & Ade RANK Rico Amongst Top Heavyweights

Main event recap: Rico Verhoeven vs. Oleksandr Usyk (Saturday, Giza)

Setting and overall fight feel

The panel reflects on Saturday night in Giza, where Rico Verhoeven nearly pulled off one of boxing’s biggest upsets versus Oleksandr Usyk.

• Usyk’s movement: Usyk was presented as not moving as freely as usual—more slower and static.
• Verhoeven’s approach: Verhoeven applied consistent pressure, relied on fundamentals, landed an effective right hand, and used good clinching.
• Ring feel: His unorthodox style made the ring feel “small” at times, according to the speakers.

Key turning point (11th round)

The fight ended in a controversial stoppage in the 11th.

• It was triggered after an uppercut left Verhoeven visibly hurt/exhausted.
• The panel believes the stoppage prevented what could have been the final-round resolution on the cards.

Scoring debate (going into/around the 11th)

The speakers disagree on who was ahead:

• Speaker A’s card (as described):
  • Verhoeven winning Round 1
  • Usyk winning the next five
  • Verhoeven taking the next three
  • Resulting view: 6–4 Usyk (with a swing-round dynamic)
• Speaker B’s card (as described):
  • 6–4 the other way (for Verhoeven)
  • The argument: Verhoeven needed a knockdown (or similar) to secure the decision if the fight continued.

They also discuss open scoring whispers and note that different angles were seen from TV vs. live commentary positions.

Stoppage controversy (“bell” issue)

A major dispute centers on whether the referee stopped the fight after the bell.

• The claim: 40 seconds remained
• Additional concern: the referee may have interacted with Verhoeven shortly after the bell sounded
• The panel references an appeal and suggests Verhoeven may have grounds because he made it to the end of the round.

Referee discretion and logic

Even with procedural questions, the panel notes referees have subjective discretion on whether a fighter is in immediate danger.

Performance assessments

• Verhoeven: Viewed as well-drilled and effective, keeping Usyk working for the full duration.
• Usyk: Described as sluggish, and possibly showing what they call one of his worst performances—not badly hurt, but underwhelming.

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Was a rematch likely? And who is next for Usyk?

Rematch calls

The speakers repeatedly imply the fight felt “three minutes short” of proper closure, making a rematch the logical outcome of the controversy.

Usyk’s next opponent debate

The discussion turns to whether Usyk should:

• Run an immediate rematch with Verhoeven, or
• Move on to Agit Kabayel, described as interim/next in line for the title shot.

Kabayel’s position

They describe Kabayel as having jumped into the ring afterward to seize his moment. He’s identified as the WBC interim champion.

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Panel prediction: where Verhoeven goes if not rematching

The panel suggests Verhoeven might wait for the rematch situation, potentially taking an interim fight in the meantime.

• They also float the idea of Anthony Joshua vs. Rico Verhoeven as a “dream matchup,” while noting date/timing issues.

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Under-card / other notable fights mentioned (Saturday, Pyramids of Giza card)

Hamza Sheeraz vs. Alan Beg (World title)

• Outcome: Hamza Sheeraz wins a world title against Alan Beg (described as less-proven/unknown).
• Panel view: Framed as a mismatch favoring Sheeraz, who looked highly dominant early (“predator stalking its prey”).
• Canelo speculation: The panel connects this win to potential future matchups, especially Canelo Alvarez, suggesting a major UK event such as Wembley if Canelo pursues a British-route involving opponents.

Jack Catterall vs. Shakram Gears off (WBA welterweight title)

• Outcome: Jack Catterall beats Shakram Gears off for the regular WBA welterweight title.
• Key moment: Gears off is said to have been dropped in the second round; after that, Catterall increasingly took control.
• Context: The panel notes Gears off was affected by personal tragedy (the death of his daughter) and looked “a shell,” while still emphasizing Catterall’s quality.

Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torres (heavyweight spotlight)

• Outcome: Frank Sanchez knocks out Richard Torres, who entered as an unbeaten Olympic silver medalist.
• Panel meaning: Sanchez’s win is framed as a return of the “boogeyman” reputation—using body/headwork and power, positioning him as near belt-level again.

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Weekend fixtures discussed after the Giza review

Adam Azim vs. Steve Claggett (live on the BBC)

• The panel discusses Azim’s career pace and inactivity, suggesting the timing is now better for visibility and progression.
• They predict Azim should win, but note Claggett isn’t a name likely to produce huge headlines even if Azim wins.

Dmitry Bivol return

• Bivol is returning this weekend after a long gap.
• The title situation is described as complicated due to Russia-related politics.
• The panel expects a points win or late stoppage, then debates potential opponents, including possible trilogy scenarios.

Tyson Fury opponent “announcement” joke/tease

The panel jokes that Fury’s opponent could be a “Zlatan”-related situation, framing it as possibly a nontraditional “business venture”-type opponent rather than a clear top contender.

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Presenters / sources (as stated at the end)

• Gareth
• Ade
• “Fight Night Extra” (Talksport 2)
• Adam Azim (mentioned as an upcoming fighter)
• Dmitry Bivol (mentioned as an upcoming fighter)
• Steve Claggett (mentioned as an upcoming opponent)
• Anthony Joshua (mentioned as a potential matchup)
• Agit Kabayel (mentioned as next contender)