Usyk Defeats Verhoeven by Controversial 11th-Round TKO at Pyramids
On May 23, 2026, Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt. Verhoeven, in only his second pro boxing match, dominated much of the fight before Usyk scored a controversial 11th-round technical knockout with one second left. The stoppage was criticized as premature by Verhoeven, who called for a rematch. Usyk retained his WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, dedicating the win to Ukraine amid ongoing war.
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Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou Agree on Controversial Usyk Stoppage
Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou have both criticized the controversial 11th-round stoppage in Oleksandr Usyk's win over Rico Verhoeven, each calling the kickboxer the real winner. The fight, held in Giza, Egypt, ended when referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 2:59 of the 11th round after Usyk dropped Verhoeven with an uppercut. Verhoeven rose to his feet but was not firing back. At the time of the stoppage, two judges had the fight even and one had Verhoeven ahead 96-94. Paul posted that Verhoeven won every round and told Usyk 'bro you lost that s‑‑t.' Ngannou, who lost a disputed split decision to Tyson Fury in 2023, drew parallels to his own experience, insisting Verhoeven was the winner. The article notes the irony of Paul criticizing officiating given scrutiny of his own fights, and suggests a rematch could be viable after both fighters take other bouts.
Forbes - BusinessOleksandr Usyk's Controversial Win Over Rico Verhoeven Just Got Even More Suspicious
A controversial 11th-round TKO victory by Oleksandr Usyk over Rico Verhoeven in a WBC heavyweight championship bout in Giza, Egypt, has sparked intense debate after replay footage appeared to show referee Mark Lyson stopping the fight after the bell had sounded. Verhoeven, who was level or ahead on scorecards after 10 rounds, was dropped with 20 seconds left in the 11th, beat the count, and was attempting to fight back when Lyson waved it off at 2:59—one second before the round ended. Verhoeven is protesting the result, arguing he was denied the chance to recover for the 12th round. The article analyzes whether the stoppage was incompetence or corruption, noting Usyk's value as an unbeaten A-side fighter. A rematch may be complicated by Agit Kabayel being ordered as Usyk's mandatory challenger.
Forbes - BusinessUsyk avoids shock defeat with 11th-round stoppage of Verhoeven
Oleksandr Usyk, Ukraine's unbeaten heavyweight world champion, narrowly avoided a major upset by stopping Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with one second left in the 11th round of their WBC title fight at the Pyramids of Egypt on May 23, 2026. Verhoeven, fighting only his second professional boxing match, dominated early rounds and had the fight tied or ahead on two judges' scorecards entering the 11th. Usyk landed a decisive right uppercut, dropping Verhoeven, who beat the count but was stopped by the referee. Usyk retained his WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, extending his record to 25-0. Verhoeven criticized the stoppage as premature and called for a rematch. Usyk dedicated the win to his family and people in Ukraine amid ongoing bombing.
Taipei TimesUsyk retains heavyweight belts with controversial stoppage of Verhoeven in Egypt
Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles with a dramatic and controversial 11th-round stoppage victory over kick-boxer Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Verhoeven, a kick-boxing legend with only one prior boxing bout, rocked Usyk and appeared to be leading on the scorecards before being dropped by an uppercut. As Verhoeven rose and Usyk unleashed a flurry, the referee stopped the fight with one second left in the round, sparking controversy. Verhoeven expressed disappointment, saying he wanted to go out on his shield, but thanked Usyk for offering a rematch. Usyk acknowledged the difficulty of the fight and dedicated his win to the Ukrainian people. After the bout, Germany's WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel entered the ring to call out Usyk, who accepted the challenge.
https://kuwaittimes.comRico Verhoeven Reacts to Controversial Ref Stoppage in Oleksandr Usyk Fight, Plans to Appeal Loss
Rico Verhoeven, a GLORY kickboxing champion, gave Oleksandr Usyk one of his toughest fights in a heavyweight boxing match in Cairo, Egypt. Despite being a massive underdog, Verhoeven was competitive and ahead on one judge's scorecard (with two others scoring it a draw) before the 11th round. Usyk dropped Verhoeven with a knockdown, and after Verhoeven beat the standing-eight count and replaced his mouthpiece, the referee controversially stopped the fight while Verhoeven was on his feet on the ropes, even after the bell had rung to end the round. Verhoeven has announced he will appeal the result, arguing the stoppage occurred after the bell and that he was not in distress. He praised his own performance and called for a rematch or a no-contest ruling.
MMA Fighting: UFC, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) News, ResultsRico Verhoeven Comes Close to Heavyweight Title in Controversial Loss to Usyk at Giza Pyramids
Former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, in only his second professional boxing match, fought undefeated world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk at the pyramids of Giza. Verhoeven, a 37-year-old Dutchman, was leading on points after ten rounds when Usyk knocked him down with a right uppercut in the eleventh round. Referee Mark Lyson stopped the fight, awarding Usyk a technical knockout victory. The decision sparked outrage, with many observers and the BBC calling Verhoeven's performance brilliant. Verhoeven expressed frustration, saying he was close to shocking the world and that his inexperience cost him. He implied the stoppage may have been influenced by boxing's reluctance to see a kickboxer defeat a top heavyweight champion. Usyk remained undefeated at 25-0 and retained his WBC title.
Nieuws, achtergronden en onderzoeksjournalistiek - NRCOleksandr Usyk Controversially Defeats Rico Verhoeven by TKO in Final Second of 11th Round
In a shocking and controversial boxing match in Giza, Egypt, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk defeated kickboxer Rico Verhoeven by technical knockout with one second left in the 11th round. Verhoeven, a kickboxing champion making his second pro boxing appearance, was winning on two of three judges' scorecards entering the round. Usyk scored a knockdown with a right uppercut, and though Verhoeven rose and continued fighting, referee Mark Lyson stepped in to stop the bout just before the bell. The stoppage sparked widespread disbelief and criticism, with many observers arguing Verhoeven was still capable of continuing. Post-fight, Verhoeven took the high road, while boxing analysts condemned the referee's decision and the judges' scoring. The result preserved Usyk's undefeated record but generated significant controversy in the boxing world.
Bleacher Report - Front PageUsyk rescues controversial victory against Verhoeven with last-gasp stoppage
Oleksandr Usyk, Ukraine's unbeaten heavyweight world champion, defeated Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven by technical knockout with one second left in the 11th round of their WBC title fight at the pyramids of Giza. The bout was widely considered a mismatch, but Verhoeven, who had only one prior professional boxing fight 12 years ago, dominated much of the contest with aggressive pressure and powerful right hands. Usyk struggled to find his range until a flush right hand dropped Verhoeven late in the 11th. After Verhoeven beat the count, Usyk unleashed a barrage, and the referee waved it off just before the bell, sparking controversy. Verhoeven called the stoppage premature and said he believed the scorecards were even. Usyk, who dedicated the win to his daughter and Ukrainian people in bomb shelters, offered Verhoeven a rematch.
Sport | The GuardianOleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Judges' Scorecards, Reaction After Controversial Stoppage
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven via 11th-round TKO in a heavyweight boxing match held in front of Egypt's Pyramids of Giza on Saturday. The fight was controversial as Verhoeven and many fans believed the stoppage was premature. Verhoeven, a top kickboxer in his second professional boxing fight, expressed gratitude for the opportunity but wanted to continue. Usyk, now 25-0, retained his WBC heavyweight title. The scorecards showed Verhoeven was competitive before Usyk landed multiple uppercuts in the 11th round, leading to the stoppage.
Bleacher Report - Front PageMartial Arts Spectacle: Usyk and Verhoeven Fight for World Title in Front of Pyramids
On May 23, 2026, undefeated boxing world champion Oleksandr Usyk (Ukraine) and kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven (Netherlands) are set to face off in a crossover fight titled 'Glory in Giza' near the Egyptian pyramids. The match is recognized by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as an official world title duel, while the WBA and IBF have conditional stances. Verhoeven, with a 20-kilo weight advantage, believes his power will overcome Usyk's technique, while Usyk views it as a challenge. The event is organized by Goldstar and Matchroom Boxing, prioritizing financial gain over sporting merit, reminiscent of Muhammad Ali's 1976 fight with Antonio Inoki. Interim WBC champion Agit Kabayel must wait for his title shot.
taz.de - taz.deOleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven Live Winners and Losers, Results
Oleksandr Usyk defended his three-belt heavyweight title against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in a surprising competitive bout at the pyramids of Giza, Egypt. Usyk secured a TKO victory with one second left in the 11th round, despite Verhoeven being ahead on the B/R scorecard. The stoppage was controversial, with Verhoeven and the broadcast team arguing it was premature. The event also featured Hamzah Sheeraz winning the vacant WBO title at 168 pounds by second-round TKO over Alem Begic, calling out Canelo Alvarez. Jack Catterall defeated Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA 'regular' welterweight title in a technical but less exciting bout. The article provides a real-time list of winners and losers from the 10-bout card.
Bleacher Report - Front PageOleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: Start Time And Ring Walks In Egypt
WBC heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (24-0) will defend his title against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven (1-0 in professional boxing) on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The event, titled 'Glory in Giza,' streams on DAZN pay-per-view ($59.99 in the U.S.). The main card starts at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST / 8 p.m. Egypt time, with ring walks projected around 5:48 p.m. ET (12:48 a.m. Sunday in Egypt). The undercard features Hamzah Sheeraz, Jack Catterall, and Richard Torrez Jr. The fight is controversial due to Verhoeven's limited boxing experience, drawing comparisons to the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson spectacle. Usyk last fought in July 2025, stopping Daniel Dubois at Wembley.
Forbes - BusinessUsyk Defends WBC Heavyweight Title Against Kickboxing Legend Rico Verhoeven in Egypt
On May 23, 2026, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC title against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in a historic bout at the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt. Usyk, widely regarded as one of the finest boxers of his generation, faces a unique challenge in Verhoeven, the dominant GLORY Kickboxing champion making only his second professional boxing appearance. While Verhoeven possesses significant size and power, critics question his ability to adapt his kickboxing mechanics to elite boxing standards in such a short timeframe. The stakes are complicated by differing sanctions from major bodies: the WBC recognizes the title as fully on the line, whereas the IBF will declare the belt vacant if Usyk loses, and the WBA will not award the title to Verhoeven even in victory. Training under Peter Fury, Verhoeven aims to overcome his lack of boxing experience against Usyk’s superior footwork and counter-punching. This high-profile crossover event tests the limits of combat sports versatility while putting Usyk’s legacy and organizational standing at risk.
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