Usyk’s victory upheld as Verhoeven’s appeal dismissed, rematch demanded

The Middle East Professional Boxing Commission ruled that referee Mark Lyson acted within his authority when he stopped the heavyweight bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round after the bell had sounded. The commission noted the timing discrepancy was merely procedural and found no evidence of bad faith, corruption or arbitrariness. Scorecards at the time of the stoppage were 95‑95, 95‑95 and 96‑94 in Verhoeven’s favour, but the decision stood and Usyk retained his world heavyweight titles.

Verhoeven appealed the result, claiming the fight was halted after the bell, but his protest was dismissed. He has publicly called for an immediate rematch, saying fans deserved a full 12‑round contest. Meanwhile, the World Boxing Council confirmed Usyk’s next mandatory defence will be against interim champion Agit Kabayel, setting the stage for Usyk’s next title fight.