Round-by-Round: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven - 23 May 2026

[gilgamesh]

Good round for Usyk in the 4th. Rico still getting through with quite a few solid right hands.

2-2 even

[SeanBrennan]

Usyk playing with him, let him dance about for 9 minutes then take over

[Controversial]

Usyk playing with him, let him dance about for 9 minutes then take over

Yeah I think he’s letting him wear himself out then he will go for it

[Ruthless-RKO]

Typical Usyk.

Loses couple of rounds.

Ride will probably turn now.

[johnmanchester]

The three minutes of zero spring in his legs. Am I watching a different fight? Maybe?

Lol are you mad? Usyk is static because he doesn't need to waste any energy.

Thirty seconds of R1 was enough to show him Rico has nothing for him

He doesn't need to waste energy, he's just going at half speed here letting Rico hop around wasting energy

If you remember how Mayweather carried Conor Mcgregor for six rounds to make it look respectable before switching on and beating him up - this fight will be similar

Yeah, we’re entering the classic GGG “he gets hit on purpose” myth territory here. Every time a favourite isn’t dominating instantly, suddenly it’s all part of some master plan. Rico’s won at least 2 of the first 3 rounds for me, arguably all 3.

Right so... Just like McGregor vs Mayweather, as I just said

Wait for it

[gilgamesh]

Another one for Usyk in the 5th. Interesting fight.

3-2 Usyk

[Heldenjaeger]

3-2 Rico. Can he keep this up? Probably not. Usyk corner not happy with him. He's also not happy.

[gilgamesh]

Lol are you mad? Usyk is static because he doesn't need to waste any energy.

Thirty seconds of R1 was enough to show him Rico has nothing for him

He doesn't need to waste energy, he's just going at half speed here letting Rico hop around wasting energy

If you remember how Mayweather carried Conor Mcgregor for six rounds to make it look respectable before switching on and beating him up - this fight will be similar

Yeah, we’re entering the classic GGG “he gets hit on purpose” myth territory here. Every time a favourite isn’t dominating instantly, suddenly it’s all part of some master plan. Rico’s won at least 2 of the first 3 rounds for me, arguably all 3.

Right so... Just like McGregor vs Mayweather, as I just said

Wait for it

McGregor never landed a meaningful punch on Mayweather. He landed a lot of flicking arm shots, and Mayweather did nothing. Rico has landed some jarring right hands on Usyk that I'm sure Usyk could've done without.

[Heldenjaeger]

Lol are you mad? Usyk is static because he doesn't need to waste any energy.

Thirty seconds of R1 was enough to show him Rico has nothing for him

He doesn't need to waste energy, he's just going at half speed here letting Rico hop around wasting energy

If you remember how Mayweather carried Conor Mcgregor for six rounds to make it look respectable before switching on and beating him up - this fight will be similar

Yeah, we’re entering the classic GGG “he gets hit on purpose” myth territory here. Every time a favourite isn’t dominating instantly, suddenly it’s all part of some master plan. Rico’s won at least 2 of the first 3 rounds for me, arguably all 3.

Right so... Just like McGregor vs Mayweather, as I just said

Wait for it

Usyk has trouble breathing. Maybe broken nose. Don't think that's part of your script. Listen to the corner. 4-2 Rico

[Ricky]

This is trash

[gilgamesh]

3 rounds to 3 even.

Is everyone still laughing at what a mismatch this is now?

[Ruthless-RKO]

This is probably gonna go the 12 rounds.

Sparring session

[CaptainSpacerod]

3-3

Mental US guy on comms can't score for toffee

[NazNaci1]

'I didn't say that'

[Ruthless-RKO]

Rico still very active and moving a lot.

Usyk needs to be busier.

[Ruthless-RKO]

There’s no way they give this to Rico.

[gilgamesh]

Rico Verhoeven is BEATING Usyk right now. Usyk isn't playing. He isn't coasting. He's doing his best, and he's struggling.

4-3 Rico Verhoeven

[Ruthless-RKO]

Did he come in too heavy?

[NazNaci1]

Yup, Rico is leading.

[gregregegg]

What was the drug testing like for this? I am amazed with this gas tank. Big guy like that moving this much hardly blowing, incredible stamina.

[Goz]

Usyk doesn't seem to be able to get into any sort of range to put anything significant on him.

[Ruthless-RKO]

What was the drug testing like for this? I am amazed with this gas tank. Big guy like that moving this much hardly blowing, incredible stamina.

Crazy ain’t it.

He’s got huge legs too.

[BigEars]

3-3

Mental US guy on comms can't score for toffee

I've only just clicked on. He stated Usyk switched southpaw because he can't figure this guy out....... shows his knowledge.

Despite struggling far more than he should, I thought Usyk pretty clearly landed the better shots in the 7th. Verhoeven's heroy jerky style makes him appear busier than he actually is.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yh Usyk had landed just as many shots as Rico.

Rico just looks flashier with what he’s doing.

[Ruthless-RKO]

What was ref saying to Rico there