Usyk retains heavyweight title over Verhoeven in controversial Round 11 stoppage

24 May 2026 · Source balance: Centre

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his WBC title against Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on Saturday at Egypt's Pyramids of Giza. In one of boxing's most competitive recent fights, Verhoeven unexpectedly dominated much of the bout, with three judges scoring it even or in Verhoeven's favor heading into Round eleven. However, Usyk found a breakthrough with a devastating right uppercut in the final thirty seconds of Round eleven, dropping Verhoeven to the canvas. Though Verhoeven rose to his feet and was still defending himself, referee Mark Lyson stopped the contest at two minutes fifty-nine seconds of the round, ending the fight with just one second remaining before the final bell. The early stoppage decision immediately sparked widespread debate among boxing analysts, coaches, and commentators, with many questioning whether Verhoeven should have been allowed to continue into the final round. Usyk improved to an undefeated twenty-five wins and zero losses, while Verhoeven fell to one win and one loss in his brief professional boxing career.