BoxRec

Controversial wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 13:55 I actually think AJ would stand a better chance as he's a bigger puncher than Usyk and would trade more.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 13:57

Controversial wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 13:55 I actually think AJ would stand a better chance as he's a bigger puncher than Usyk and would trade more.

Plus Rico isn't really a huge puncher himself. He's a solid hitter as you'd expect any in shape, 250 plus pound man would be, but he's not the most devastating puncher you'll see.

AJ certainly still punches harder than Rico I'd think.

I feel like Rico vs Ngannou is a fight that makes sense to make since they both had similar success fighting in Heavyweight title bouts in recent years that people claimed they didn't deserve.

Plus the marketing is natural. Kickboxing's Heavyweight Champion vs MMA's Heavyweight Champion.

Both never lost their title in the other sport. They just vacated.

joshj909 wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 14:50

gilgamesh wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 13:57

Controversial wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 13:55 I actually think AJ would stand a better chance as he's a bigger puncher than Usyk and would trade more.

Plus Rico isn't really a huge puncher himself. He's a solid hitter as you'd expect any in shape, 250 plus pound man would be, but he's not the most devastating puncher you'll see.

AJ certainly still punches harder than Rico I'd think.

I feel like Rico vs Ngannou is a fight that makes sense to make since they both had similar success fighting in Heavyweight title bouts in recent years that people claimed they didn't deserve.

Plus the marketing is natural. Kickboxing's Heavyweight Champion vs MMA's Heavyweight Champion.

Both never lost their title in the other sport. They just vacated.

Verhoeven Vs Ngannou definitely makes the most sense from every angle unless Verhoeven wants to be a legit contender in which he'd have to pick a proper opponent.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 14:52

joshj909 wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 14:50

gilgamesh wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 13:57

Plus Rico isn't really a huge puncher himself. He's a solid hitter as you'd expect any in shape, 250 plus pound man would be, but he's not the most devastating puncher you'll see.

AJ certainly still punches harder than Rico I'd think.

I feel like Rico vs Ngannou is a fight that makes sense to make since they both had similar success fighting in Heavyweight title bouts in recent years that people claimed they didn't deserve.

Plus the marketing is natural. Kickboxing's Heavyweight Champion vs MMA's Heavyweight Champion.

Both never lost their title in the other sport. They just vacated.

Verhoeven Vs Ngannou definitely makes the most sense from every angle unless Verhoeven wants to be a legit contender in which he'd have to pick a proper opponent.

He and Ngannou both have 2 Professional Boxing matches, and each man has fought for the World Heavyweight TItle. There couldn't be a more appropriate opponent for him honestly.

gilgamesh wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 13:33

Taansend wrote: ↑24 May 2026, 01:31 Just watched & I think AJ would demolish Rico inside a few rounds (unless he really is proper shot).

Styles make fights & Rico was all wrong for an under-trained Usyk.

He'd be walking into massive right hands against AJ.

I know many are upset with what happened tonight but when two blokes get into a fight, so many things can happen.

Usyk is still brilliant & Rico will now add an extra 10 or 20 million to his retirement fund.

Usyk has said he has 3 more fights left. He knows his body. Crawford got out at exactly the right time, Usyk might not.

Usyk was not undertrained. Rico was simply better than any of YOU thought he was going to be. I knew he was going to be tough.

Now that he was tough. You're all excusing it as "Well...Usyk just wasn't ready" rather than to give Rico credit for his performance. It simply CAN'T BE that this guy who's been the dominant Kickboxing Champion for over a decade is just tough, and knows how to fight can it?

And Usyk, I mean what an underprepared loser. I can't tell you how many times I've seen an out of shape guy, save a fight he's struggling in with an 11th round stoppage.

That's everyday, easy stuff to accomplish right there.