Usyk stops Verhoeven in controversial 11th-round TKO at Giza

Oleksandr Usyk narrowly avoided one of the greatest upsets in heavyweight boxing history on Saturday night, stopping Dutch kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven via TKO with just one second remaining in the 11th round at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Referee Mark Lyson waved off the contest at 2:59 of the penultimate round after Usyk knocked Verhoeven down for the second time in the frame, a decision that immediately ignited debate across the boxing world.washingtonpost+2

A Champion on the Brink

The fight, branded "Glory in Giza," was supposed to be a showcase for the Ukrainian pound-for-pound king, but Verhoeven's decorated kickboxing background and considerable size advantage made for a far more competitive affair than most anticipated. ESPN reported that Verhoeven's physicality "surprised Usyk in the first 10 rounds" before the champion found his finish.africa.espn

The official scorecards revealed just how close the fight was: two of the three judges had it scored 5-5 in rounds heading into the 11th, underscoring how real the threat of an upset had become. Verhoeven, who was making only his second professional boxing appearance, pushed the three-time undisputed champion to the brink.instagram

Controversy and Reaction

After the stoppage, Verhoeven expressed frustration. "I thought it was an early stoppage," the Dutchman said. "I believe the referee knows that we're almost at the end of the round, or let me go out on my shield or let the bell go… it was close and I thought we were equal on the scorecards".boxingnewsonline

Reports emerged that Verhoeven may appeal the outcome of the fight. Boxing fans online were similarly divided, with many calling the stoppage premature given the timing.facebook+1

Historic Setting

The bout marked the first professional boxing world title fight held at Egypt's ancient Giza Necropolis, an event organized by Saudi boxing czar Turki Alalshikh and streamed exclusively on DAZN. Usyk's ring entrance drew widespread attention, described by Fox Sports Australia as "instantly iconic".boxinginsider+2

Usyk improved to 25-0 with 16 knockouts and retained his WBC heavyweight title, while the WBA and IBF belts were not sanctioned for the contest. Despite the win, the night belonged as much to Verhoeven, whose performance left many calling for a rematch.espn+1