Oleksandr Usyk avoided a historic upset by stopping Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round of their WBC heavyweight title fight at the pyramids of Giza, but the result has sparked widespread controversy.
Verhoeven, a kickboxing icon in just his second professional boxing bout, was arguably ahead on points when Usyk dropped him with an uppercut in the corner. The Dutchman beat the referee's count and was given extra time to recover as his mouthguard was replaced, but when Usyk swarmed him again on the ropes, the official waved off the bout as the bell sounded.
Many felt the stoppage was premature. Promoter Eddie Hearn told IFL TV: 'I had Rico up in the fight... it was a poor stoppage. When you're that competitive, you can't stop a fight when he's not taking any serious punishment.' Official scorecards later revealed that Verhoeven was not necessarily ahead, adding further debate to the outcome.
Verhoeven has appealed the loss, while Usyk, 39, maintains his unbeaten record and retains his WBC heavyweight title, though the manner of victory has divided the boxing world.
