Oleksandr Usyk is not a fighter who usually attracts backlash when confirming his next opponent. This week, he did. After Ring Magazine outlined Usyk’s potential matchup with Rico Verhoeven, replies beneath the post quickly filled with a blunt, repeated refrain: “Jake Paul would beat Verhoeven.” The point behind it was clear. The pushback was not about Usyk’s ability. It was about whether another crossover idea belongs anywhere near an elite heavyweight champion. Usyk Steps Into Unfamiliar Reaction Usyk’s career has been built on fighting the best available opposition and beating it with authority. That...
