Usyk–Verhoeven Fight Stoppage Sparks Referee Bell Controversy

In the 11th round of a heavyweight title bout in Egypt, Oleksandr Usyk dropped Dutch champion Rico Verhoeven with an uppercut and the referee, Mark Lyson, stopped the fight seconds later. Lyson later told Peter Fury, Verhoeven’s coach, that he had not heard the round‑ending bell, admitting a mistake.

Fury, who traveled back to England with Lyson, said Verhoeven was coherent and should have been allowed to return to his corner, arguing the stoppage prevented a possible points decision or a clean knockout. The decision has drawn criticism from UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who called the stoppage a “robbery,” and has become a major talking point in combat‑sports circles.

The controversy also raised questions about the official scorecards, with claims that Verhoeven was told he needed a knockout to win. Observers noted he remained competitive on the cards before the premature stoppage.