Canelo Alvarez has weighed in with his take on the controversial stoppage between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven.
The boxing world has been vocal with their reaction after Usyk was able to successfully defend his heavyweight crown against Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
For a long period it appeared that it wouldn’t be a successful defence though, with the ending coming in the 11th round when referee Mark Lyson stopped the contest, many viewers believing prematurely.
Verhoeven had performed way above expectations as he caused Usyk plenty of problems throughout the bout, but despite recovering from the knockdown he received, the kickboxing star was stopped on his feet and denied the chance to enter the 12th round.
Tony Bellew is one who believes that Verhoeven should have been given the chance to continue, but Mexican superstar Canelo doesn’t share the same view.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Canelo revealed that he agreed with the referee’s decision.
“It was a good fight. I don’t think so [that it was was an early stoppage], I think they saved a brutal knockout.”
Usyk is now expected to take some time out before making a decision on his next move, with some fans calling for an immediate rematch with Verhoeven, while others want him to now face WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.
As for Canelo, he returns to action in September as he looks to claim world honours again when he takes on WBC super-middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
