Rico Verhoeven Secures Commission Ruling on Early Bell, Demands Usyk Rematch

An investigation commission concluded that the bell had already rung before the referee stopped the 11th round of the May 24 heavyweight bout between Dutch fighter Rico Verhoeven and unbeaten champion Oleksandr Usyk near the Giza pyramids. The ruling rejected Verhoeven’s protest, leaving the original loss on his record unchanged, but it confirmed the premature stoppage.

Verhoeven announced he wants an immediate rematch, urging organizers to give fans the opportunity to see the fight finish. He said the bout deserved a full twelve rounds and that a new encounter would “complete the story.” Usyk has not yet responded to the call, and the decision does not alter the current heavyweight title situation.

The outcome has sparked discussion among boxing promoters about scheduling a follow‑up fight, while the decision underscores the importance of clear regulatory oversight in high‑profile matches.