Usyk Defeats Verhoeven in Controversial Giza Stoppage, Kabayel Awaited Mandatory Challenge

Oleksandr Usyk retained his unified heavyweight titles with an 11th‑round technical knockout over Dutch kick‑boxing champion Rico Verhoeven in an open‑air bout beside the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. Usyk dropped Verhoeven with an uppercut late in the round; the Dutchman rose before the bell, but referee Mark Lyson stopped the fight with one second remaining, sparking immediate debate. Scorecards released after the stoppage were split—two judges had the fight even 95‑95 and a third had Verhoeven ahead 96‑94—fueling claims the decision was premature.

Verhoeven protested, saying the bell had already sounded and he deserved the chance to finish the fight, while commentators such as Teddy Atlas and Derek Chisora labelled the stoppage “early”. The controversy reignited discussions about the legitimacy of crossover bouts and the champion’s age.

Promoter Frank Warren, backed by Saudi sports patron Turki Al‑Alshikh, vowed to push for a mandatory defense against WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel, insisting a Usyk‑Verhoeven rematch would not be permitted until Kabayel’s challenge is settled. Kabayel, the German contender, is positioned as the next mandatory opponent.

The fight attracted a global audience, highlighted the competitive potential of kick‑boxers transitioning to boxing, and left both fighters hinting at future match‑ups.