Oleksandr Usyk narrowly avoided a major upset on Saturday, stopping Rico Verhoeven with one second left in the 11th round of their WBC heavyweight title fight at the pyramids of Giza. The stoppage, however, has been met with widespread criticism, including from former champion Anthony Joshua.
Verhoeven, a Dutch former kickboxer with only one prior professional boxing bout 12 years ago, dominated much of the contest. His awkward style, relentless aggression, and powerful right hand troubled Usyk, who appeared sluggish and struggled to find his rhythm. Verhoeven was ahead on the scorecards when the controversial ending occurred.
In the 11th round, Usyk dropped Verhoeven with a right hand. Verhoeven beat the count, but as Usyk moved in to continue, the referee waved off the fight, despite only one second remaining in the round. Verhoeven expressed his disappointment, stating, 'I thought it was an early stoppage but in the end it’s not up to me. I wanted the referee to let me go out on my shield or let me go in the 12th.'
Usyk, who dedicated the win to his family and the Ukrainian people, admitted the fight was tough. He offered Verhoeven a rematch, which Verhoeven acknowledged. 'I am super proud of my performance and hopefully the boxing world embraces me as a boxer,' Verhoeven added.
