Jake Paul Sad for Boxing After Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Controversy

Jake Paul calls out Oleksandr Usyk for celebrating his controversial stoppage after getting dominated by Rico Verhoeven.

Jake Paul Sad for Boxing After Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven Controversy

Jake Paul criticizes Oleksandr Usyk's performance against Rico Verhoeven (via The Sun)

In Short
  • Jake Paul criticized Oleksandr Usyk for celebrating a controversial TKO victory over Rico Verhoeven.
  • The stoppage in the Usyk vs. Verhoeven fight was deemed premature as Verhoeven appeared ready to continue.
  • Paul's reaction reflects his genuine disappointment in boxing's officiating and its impact on the sport's reputation.

Jake Paul has emerged as one of the most polarizing figures in modern combat sports in recent years. He is widely known for being outspoken and unafraid to express his opinions on social media. He applied that same approach when reacting to the boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven. Paul specifically called out Usyk for celebrating after securing a controversial stoppage victory.

The boxing match between Usyk and Verhoeven was a closely contested heavyweight fight with shifting momentum throughout. Verhoeven used size and pressure to push forward in the middle rounds. Usyk relied on footwork and counters to stay competitive. In the 11th round, Usyk dropped the challenger with a clean uppercut before the referee stopped the fight, resulting in a controversial late TKO finish.

The stoppage became controversial because it came immediately after Verhoeven was dropped but not fully incapacitated. Although Usyk’s uppercut sent him to the canvas, the kickboxer got back up and appeared ready to continue.

The referee stopped the fight before the round ended, which many felt was premature given the timing and Verhoeven’s recovery, setting up criticism from Paul over Usyk’s celebration.

I truly love boxing, and what happened tonight seriously makes me sad. The sport and the fans deserve better.

Jake Paul via X

Paul initially crossed paths with Usyk in July 2025 following the Ukrainian champion’s victory over Daniel Dubois in their rematch. After the heavyweight bout ended, Paul entered the ring and faced off with Usyk during the post-fight celebrations. Usyk fueled speculation further by calling out the influencer boxer and revealing his willingness to make the fight happen under MMA rules after he retires from boxing.

However, Paul was not the only person to criticize the controversial stoppage between Usyk and Verhoeven after the fight ended. MMA insider Ariel Helwani called the officiating poor and warned the controversy would hurt boxing’s reputation as a sport. Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou also referenced his controversial 2023 loss to Tyson Fury, indirectly suggesting corruption still exists in boxing.

Jake Paul is currently recovering from the knockout loss he suffered against Anthony Joshua back in December 2025. Despite the setback, Paul has remained active online and continues commenting on major combat sports events. While he is known for his polarizing personality and controversial callouts, his reaction to Oleksandr Usyk’s win at the Pyramids of Giza appeared to show genuine disappointment.

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Jake Paul has built one of the largest financial empires in modern combat sports through boxing, sponsorships, and several successful business ventures. Alongside his fighting career, Paul is involved with companies including Most Valuable Promotions, Betr, and W. ‘The Problem Child’ recently added to his growing wealth by purchasing a massive ranch property in Georgia, reportedly worth nearly $40 million.

Jake Paul
Jake Paul (via Bleacher Report)

Paul was recently ranked among the highest-paid athletes in sports. Cristiano Ronaldo and Canelo Alvarez topped the latest highest-paid athletes list. Meanwhile, Paul found himself in the 13th spot. The revelation sparked major reactions, with UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland delivering a hilarious response after learning about Paul’s massive earnings.

I gotta leave the UFC and go beat up Jake Paul. That’s it. Cut my contract, UFC. It’s time for me to leave.

Sean Strickland via Kick

Sean Strickland has consistently criticized the UFC’s fighter pay structure throughout his career and public appearances. His reaction to Jake Paul’s massive earnings reflected continued frustration surrounding financial opportunities available outside traditional MMA organizations. Meanwhile, the Ohio native’s growing wealth has strengthened his position as one of combat sports’ most successful crossover stars.

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