Here’s the latest on the Usyk vs. Verhoeven stoppage.
Direct update
- Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven by stoppage late in the 11th round in Giza, Egypt, with the stoppage coming at 2:59 of the round. The ending was controversial because it appeared to occur after the round had technically ended, prompting immediate debate and talk of potential appeals from Verhoeven’s camp. Multiple outlets reported the stoppage as a high-stakes, last-minute finish that preserved Usyk’s heavyweight titles.[1][2][3]
Key context and reactions
- Scorecards at the stoppage had two judges even at 95-95 and a third judge in favor of Verhoeven at 96-94 at the moment of the stoppage, highlighting how close the fight was before the final barrage.[1]
- Verhoeven and his team publicly contested the decision and suggested they might pursue an appeal, citing that the stoppage occurred after the bell to end the round; Usyk’s camp indicated potential options for a rematch or a fight with another top heavyweight.[3][1]
- The punch that changed the moment was a well-set right uppercut by Usyk, followed by a flurry that overwhelmed Verhoeven as he rose from the knockdown; official results list the stoppage at 2:59 of Round 11.[1]
Additional perspectives
- Several outlets summarized the fight as a dramatic, near-upset that was narrowly decided by a late stoppage, with analysis noting Usyk’s ability to survive Verhoeven’s challenge and then seize the moment in the late going.[2][5]
- There is some debate among pundits about whether the stoppage was premature or warranted, given the closeness on the scorecards and the bell-like moment around the end of Round 11; fan and media discussions continue across regions.[4][8]
What’s next
- Usyk reportedly faced options for his next defense, including a rematch with Verhoeven or a heavyweight clash with another top contender such as Kabayel; no formal announcement has been confirmed as of the latest reports.[5][1]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official statements or compile a quick side-by-side comparison of the round-by-round action and the judges’ scores from the main outlets.
Sources
Oleksandr Usyk survived a scare against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven to score a controversial 11th-round stoppage in Giza, Egypt, preventing what would have been a monumental upset during the WBC heavyweight title bout.
www.espn.comGIZA, Egypt, May 23 : Ukraine's unbeaten heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk stopped Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with one second left in the penultimate round of a WBC title fight on Saturday to avoid one of the greatest boxing upsets of all time.The 'Glory in Giza' fight at the Pyramids of Eg
www.channelnewsasia.comOleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven heading into championship rounds Saturday night at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, and
www.dazn.comUsyk stopped Verhoeven in round 11. Some say it was too early so you can watch now. Read more on DAZN News
www.dazn.comHeavyweight boxing king Oleksandr Usyk retained his titles after a dramatic and controversial stoppage victory over kick-boxer Rico Verhoeven with a second left of the 11th round in Egypt on Saturday.
www.flashscore.comUkraine's unbeaten heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk stopped Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with one second left in the penultimate round of a WBC title fight on Saturday to avoid one of the greatest boxing upsets of all time.
www.gmanetwork.comOleksandr Usyk survived a scare against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven to score a controversial 11th-round stoppage in Giza, Egypt, preventing what would have been a monumental upset during the WBC heavyweight title bout.
www.espn.com.au