Jake Paul And Francis Ngannou Agree On Controversial Usyk Stoppage

InnovationGamingJake Paul And Francis Ngannou Agree On Controversial Usyk StoppageByBrian Mazique,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow AuthorMay 26, 2026, 08:50pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 22: Francis Ngannou talks with Jake Paul during the Battle of the Giants Press Conference at The Anthem on August 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)Getty ImagesJake Paul and Francis Ngannou could meet in a boxing ring in the future, but when it comes to one of the most polarizing topics in boxing, they agree.The ending to the Oleksandr Usyk - Rico Verhoeven heavyweight title fight in Giza, Egypt was easily the biggest combat sports story of the past weekend. Because of that, it's no surprise to see several prominent athletes and people in the combat sports world weighing in on the controversial decision.Both Paul and Ngannou made it clear they don't just believe Verhoeven was wronged with the inexplicable stoppage, but the two fighters felt the iconic kickboxer was the real winner.MORE FOR YOUWhat Happened At The End Of Usyk vs. Verhoeven?Beyond the exaggerated conspiracy concepts, here's what really happened at the end of Usyk-Verhoeven: The fight was very close and Verhoeven had fought very well — much better than anyone outside of his own camp expected. Usyk stunned him with a vicious uppercut late in the 11th round and dropped Verhoeven. The latter made it to his feet. He was hurt and the referee made the odd decision to allow Verhoeven to put the mouthpiece back in during a timeout. Usyk tried to swarm once the action commenced. Verhoeven didn't eat any more hard shots, but he wasn't firing back. The referee clearly didn't know how much time was left in the round. He jumped in and s...