Canelo Alvarez, Francis Ngannou react to Usyk’s controversial win over Verhoeven

Canelo Álvarez and Francis Ngannou offered contrasting reactions to Oleksandr Usyk's controversial stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven, underscoring ongoing debate over high-profile boxing decisions. After Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, where Usyk defended the WBC heavyweight title, Álvarez said referee Mark Lyson's call was justified. Canelo Alvarez argued the intervention "saved Verhoeven from a knockout," while Francis Ngannou sided with Verhoeven and questioned boxing's treatment of crossover fighters. Verhoeven surprised by controlling early rounds before an 11th‑round knockdown preceded the halt, which drew criticism from fans and pundits. Citing his bout with Tyson Fury, Ngannou posted that "outsiders will never win" and wrote, "Rico was the winner tonight. Period."