Here’s the latest on the Usyk vs. Verhoeven stoppage in Egypt.
Usyk stopped Rico Verhoeven at 2:59 of round 11 to retain WBC heavyweight status in a highly controversial finish, with Verhoeven briefly rising on 8-count-like response but unable to continue. The stoppage followed a late flurry from Usyk that produced the decisive knockdown in the closing seconds of the round. This outcome preserved Usyk’s titles, despite two judges having the bout tied at 95-95 at the stoppage and a third with Verhoeven ahead 96-94 at that moment. Sources reporting the stoppage and its timing include ESPN and multiple outlets covering the bout.[1][2][3]
Reaction to the stoppage has been mixed. Verhoeven’s camp publicly contested the decision, and Verhoeven himself indicated he might appeal, arguing the stoppage came after the bell ended the round. Usyk’s team called it a fight where timing and power mattered, with Usyk describing the finish as a timely uppercut that sealed the win. These perspectives are echoed in coverage from ESPN, Ring Magazine, and other outlets.[5][6][1]
The fight took place at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, under title implications for Usyk as the reigning heavyweight champion. The bout drew attention for its dramatic late sequence and the possibility of a Verhoeven upset, which did not materialize due to the late stoppage.[2][8][1]
For context on next possible directions, reporting mentioned two options after the fight: a rematch with Verhoeven or a heavyweight matchup with Agit Kabayel, with discussion of timing and venue considerations. This is noted in post-fight summaries and interviews by multiple outlets.[3][5]
Would you like a concise side-by-side summary of the judges’ scorecards at the stoppage, the exact stoppage timing, and a quick round-by-round recap of the final exchange? I can also pull up audience/boxrec-style score details if you want. Citations: ESPN coverage of the stoppage and scoring, summaries from Flashscore and Ring Magazine, and ESPN Australia/Channel News Asia variants.[8][1][2][3][5]
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 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.auUsyk stopped Verhoeven in round 11. Some say it was too early so you can watch now. Read more on DAZN News
www.dazn.comOleksandr Usyk had to work hard for it, but stopped Rico Verhoeven 11 rounds into their "Glory in Giza" main event at the Pyramids in Egypt.
www.ringmagazine.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.comOleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven heading into championship rounds Saturday night at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, and
www.dazn.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.
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