Derek Chisora Says Oleksandr Usyk Realized Too Late Rico Verhoeven Was Winning

Chisora believes Usyk underestimated Verhoeven before the controversial stoppage changed the heavyweight fight in round 11

Derek Chisora believes Oleksandr Usyk did not fully respect Rico Verhoeven until the heavyweight champion realized he was in danger of losing late in Saturday’s fight in Egypt. Chisora also criticized the controversial 11th-round stoppage, saying Verhoeven deserved the chance to continue.

Chisora said Rico gave Usyk far more problems than expected and believes the unified champion eventually understood he was behind in the fight.

“I think he didn’t respect him until he realized he was in round 11.

“And he was losing.”

Chisora also questioned the referee’s decision to stop the contest after Verhoeven got back to his feet following a knockdown late in the 11th round.

“That was an early stoppage. They robbed that [ __ ] guy.

“That stoppage was wrong,” Chisora told ProBoxingFans.

Despite criticizing the stoppage, Chisora said he doesn’t believe Usyk has declined physically and suggested the inactivity played a role in his performance.

“Usyk didn’t lose a step, fellas. What you have to understand, Usyk hasn’t been in the ring for a while, so he didn’t lose a step,” said Derek.

“What happened there was he was taking his time. If he fights this guy again next time, he knocked him out.”

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