Usyk keeps titles with controversial Verhoeven stoppage

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Usyk keeps titles with controversial Verhoeven stoppageImage source, MatchroomImage caption, Rico Verhoeven (left) was competing for just the second time as a professional boxerByKal SajadBBC Sport boxing journalistPublished7 hours agoOleksandr Usyk struck lucky to retain his world heavyweight titles in Egypt with a highly controversial 11th-round stoppage win against boxing novice Rico Verhoeven. Verhoeven, in just his second professional boxing fight, was the clear aggressor for long spells, stunning generational great Usyk in a way nobody expected. In a surprisingly tight contest, Ukrainian Usyk produced a late surge and landed a sharp left uppercut that sent the Dutchman to the canvas.

Verhoeven beat the count, but a follow-up flurry in the closing seconds of the round prompted the referee to step in and wave it off - a decision that looked extremely harsh on the challenger. The scorecards at the time of the fight coming to a halt read 95-95, 95-95 and 96-94 to Verhoeven. "This fight was hard.

The Details

It was a good fight," Usyk said. What next for heavyweight division after Usyk's win? Published1 hour agoHow a kickboxing legend & Statham's pal landed a shot at Usyk Published2 days agoIn a contest many expected to expose the gulf between elite boxing pedigree and crossover ambition, unbeaten Usyk looked uncharacteristically laboured.

The 39-year-old - a three-time undisputed champion who ruled at cruiserweight and heavyweight - found a way to win his 25th professional fight, but his opponent questioned the outcome. Kickboxing legend Verhoeven, 37, described it as an "early stoppage" and called for a rematch but said it was up to Usyk. "I wanted the referee to let me go out on my shield or let me go in the 12th.

I felt we were pretty even on the scorecards," Verhoeven said. Usyk's WBC title was on the line, with the bout also counting as a defence of his WBA 'super' belt - although Verhoeven would not have been eligible to win that version of the title in the event of an upset. The IBF granted permission for the contest but did not sanction its belt.

What Experts Say

What information do we collect from this quiz? Lethargic Usyk survives major scareImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Referee Mark Lyson stopped the fight with one second left in the 11th roundThe Pyramids of Giza loomed over a purpose-built open-air arena for one of boxing's most unusual world title fights in recent memory. A kickboxing heavyweight legend who ruled his sport for more than 4,000 days, Verhoeven sprinted to the ring at around 01:10 local time, flanked by performers dressed as Egyptian pharaohs, before Usyk emerged in a gladiator-style outfit complete with a golden helmet.

Verhoeven, who insisted his unpredictability could trouble Usyk, made a lively start with constant movement and energy, landing a solid right hand to the body. Usyk responded with a sharp double uppercut in the second, but Verhoeven absorbed it well and fired back with two right hands of his own.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.