Oleksandr Usyk, Ukraine's undefeated heavyweight world champion, halted Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with a technical knockout with just one second remaining in the 11th round, preventing what would have been one of the biggest upsets in boxing history on Saturday.
Fight Overview
The WBC title fight, held at the Pyramids of Giza, was widely regarded as a mismatch. However, Verhoeven, whose only previous professional boxing match occurred 12 years ago, defied expectations from the opening bell and appeared poised to secure a stunning victory. Until the controversial stoppage, he proved to be a formidable opponent, unsettling Usyk with his unorthodox style, relentless aggression, and powerful right hand. A sluggish Usyk struggled to find his rhythm for most of the contest.
Controversial Ending
In a chaotic conclusion, Usyk dropped Verhoeven late in the 11th round. After Verhoeven beat the referee's count, Usyk immediately launched a flurry of punches, prompting the referee to wave off the fight just before the bell. With so little time remaining in the round, the decision sparked debate. "I thought it was an early stoppage, but ultimately it's not my call," Verhoeven told DAZN while still in the ring. "I wanted the referee to let me go out on my shield or let me go into the 12th. I felt the scorecards were pretty even."
Reactions
Verhoeven expressed gratitude for the opportunity and revealed that Usyk had offered him a rematch. "I am incredibly proud of my performance, and I hope the boxing world embraces me as a boxer," he added. Verhoeven started strongly, landing several vicious right hands in the opening round. Usyk struggled to find his range, and although he had a good fourth round, rocking Verhoeven with an uppercut, he appeared to lose most of the early rounds. As the fight progressed, observers awaited Usyk's expected dominance, but it did not materialize until the end of the 11th. A powerful right hand sent Verhoeven through the ropes. After he rose, Usyk unleashed a barrage, and his opponent seemed likely to be saved by the bell until the referee intervened.
Usyk dedicated the victory to his family and the Ukrainian people. "I know right now, Ukrainian people are sitting in bomb shelters, my daughter too, in a bomb shelter. She sent me a message saying, 'Papa, I love you, you will win,'" Usyk said. "Thank you so much, Rico. You are an amazing fighter. Thank you to your team. My team, I love you. My wife, I love you. You are my light and my heart. This fight was hard. It was a good fight."
