Usyk Defeats Verhoeven Amid Controversial Stoppage at Giza, Prompting Apology Demand and Rematch Talks

Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBC heavyweight title by technical knockout in the 11th round of his bout against Dutch kick‑boxing star Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza. The referee stopped the fight a second before the round’s bell, leading many observers to allege the stoppage was premature. Scorecards released afterward showed two judges had the fight tied at 95‑95 and the third had Verhoeven ahead 96‑94.

Verhoeven publicly demanded an apology and a rematch, telling the BBC, “Just an apology… I can’t demand anything else.” His team has lodged an appeal with the WBC. Usyk’s camp defended the referee’s decision, emphasizing fighter safety and warning that “one extra punch can affect a fighter’s entire future and health.”

The controversy sparked discussion of Usyk’s next mandatory defense against German challenger Agit Kabayel, who is the WBC’s mandatory challenger. Usyk also highlighted his personal faith after the win, saying, “Thank God … Jesus Christ, many thanks.” The fight’s outcome and the ensuing dispute are expected to shape the heavyweight division’s forthcoming match‑ups.