Jordan questioned the Usyk stoppage and argued Verhoeven emerged as a major attraction after pushing the champion deep into the fight
Simon Jordan believes Rico Verhoeven answered every question about his boxing credentials against Oleksandr Usyk. Despite suffering an 11th-round stoppage defeat in Egypt, Jordan says Verhoeven proved he belongs among the leading names in the heavyweight division.
“He’s a star. He’s got charisma to die for,” said Simon to talkSPORT Boxing. “We now know he can fight in boxing. So that makes him box office.”
Jordan admitted he believed Usyk would eventually stop Rico, but he also argued the referee stepped in too early after the Dutch kickboxing star was dropped by an uppercut late in the 11th round.
“I think it was a bad stoppage,” said Jordan. “If he’d have had Usyk in that position, I very much doubt they stopped the fight.”
Jordan added that the controversy itself may now force boxing to consider a rematch between the pair, even with WBC interim heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel and IBF mandatory Frank Sanchez both waiting for title opportunities.
“The nature of the stoppage was so poor that it creates this outcome,” Jordan said.
Rico repeatedly pushed for the rematch during the interview and claimed he was ahead before the stoppage. He also insisted he belongs with the top names in the division after going 11 rounds with Usyk.
When asked if he could beat Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Verhoeven answered confidently.
“100%,” Rico said about Fury.
“Of course,” he added when asked about Joshua.
Jordan later admitted he would be surprised if Usyk’s team actually agrees to the rematch because of pressure from contenders who have been waiting longer for title shots. Still, he said Rico has become a serious commercial attraction after the performance.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t fight someone significant again,” Jordan said. “He is brilliant.”
