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- Sergey Lapin: Referee saved Rico Verhoeven from a 'brutal and dangerous' ending
What was your view on the stoppage?
The referee did his job and protected Rico's health. It was the right and professional moment to stop the fight.
People need to understand one thing: at this level, one extra punch can affect a fighter's entire future and health.
The fight was already moving toward a very difficult ending for Rico. If the referee had allowed it to continue, the ending could have been much more brutal and dangerous.
We saw Agit Kabayel in the ring, there is also talk about a Rico rematch. What would be your preference? Or is there another option?
Who will Usyk fight next? Right now, everything depends on two things: the right offer and the champion's own desire.
Oleksandr has nothing left to prove. He is now in a position where he chooses what interests him next. Neither outside pressure nor social media discussions will influence his decisions.
If the next fight happens, it will be because it is truly a major event.
What was your assessment of the fight?
Everything was actually quite simple. Nobody ever said this would be an easy night. The final result was a knockout victory.
The goal was to wear down a very strong and unconventional opponent who was constantly creating awkward angles and pressure.
Anyone who truly understands boxing knows how difficult it is to deal with an awkward and unorthodox fighter.
As for scorecards, commentary, or the broadcast narrative, none of that really matters. The only thing that matters is the final result.
How was this camp compared to others? Was it difficult to train with the same intensity for Rico who has never boxed before? Because Oleksandr came in at a career-heaviest 233 lbs. Was the weight intentional?
Every training camp at this level is difficult, regardless of what sport your opponent comes from.
We prepared very seriously because Rico is strong, awkward, and extremely unconventional. Many people underestimated how difficult this type of fight could be.
In the end, it turned into a great show. The fans got emotions, tension, and a spectacular knockout.
Usyk tweeted after the fight that he didn't want the fans to be bored, implying he carried Rico, thoughts?
Usyk and Rico delivered a great fight. Today the whole world is talking about this event, people are debating it, discussing it, and replaying the moments.
When people continue talking about a fight afterward, it means the show was successful.
The fans got drama, tension, strong moments from both sides, and a spectacular knockout finish. Those are the kinds of nights people remember.
Will Usyk be in AJ's corner when he fights Tyson Fury? And has he discussed Fury's weaknesses with him?
It's still too early to say for sure whether Oleksandr will be in AJ's corner against Fury. We will look at the situation closer to the fight.
As for Fury and his weaknesses, they constantly talk about boxing, different styles, different fights, and different situations. For people at this level, that is completely normal.
With Usyk's help, can AJ become heavyweight champion again?
Everything depends on AJ himself. He has absolutely everything needed to become heavyweight champion again.
He already has the experience, physical attributes, name, and discipline. At this level, the key is mentality and motivation.
Oleksandr is always open to sharing his experience, and that is extremely valuable for many fighters.
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