Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven in a controversial stoppage on Saturday, avoiding one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. The fight, held at the pyramids of Giza, saw Verhoeven, a kickboxing icon boxing professionally for just the second time, challenge Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title.
Verhoeven appeared to be ahead on points as the 11th round arrived. However, Usyk increased the pressure and dropped Verhoeven with an uppercut in the corner. Verhoeven beat the referee's count and was given extra time to recover as his mouthguard was replaced. When Usyk attacked again on the ropes, the referee waved off the bout as the bell sounded.
Many observers felt the referee should have allowed the round to finish, while others argued Verhoeven had already received extra time. The result saw Usyk, 39, maintain his unbeaten record and retain the WBC belt. Promoter Eddie Hearn told IFL TV: 'I had Rico up in the fight... it was a poor stoppage... you can't stop a fight when he's not taking any serious punishment.'
The official scorecards added further controversy. Going into the 11th round, Verhoeven seemed comfortably ahead, but the cards later revealed he may not have been on course to win. Verhoeven has appealed the loss.
