Oleksandr Usyk wins after controversial referee’s stoppage following late knockdown on Rico Verhoeven

CAIRO, EGYPT - MAY 23: Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven compete during the WBC and WBA World Heavyweight Titles fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven as part of the Glory in Giza Fight Night at Pyramids Panorama 2 on May 23, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Mohamed Hossam/Getty Images) | Getty Images Oleksandr Usyk remained undefeated but not without some controversy after a controversial stoppage from the referee cost Rico Verhoeven from possibly pulling off the biggest upset in boxing history. Through 10 rounds, Verhoeven not only showed he belonged in the ring with Usyk but he was likely winning the fight, although scorecards in boxing are not always the most reliable.

Still, Verhoeven took it to Usyk round after round and he appeared ready to shock the world as the fight moved into the final two rounds. But Verhoeven’s aggression cost him in the 11 th round after he rushed forward and Usyk cracked him with a nasty uppercut. That dropped Verhoeven to the canvas but he got back to his feet as the fight restarted with time ticking away in the round.

Usyk went for the kill and started unloading punches but Verhoeven was still on his feet when the referee stepped in between them to stop the fight. Verhoeven’s coaches immediately protested but the fight was already over with the official time for the TKO came at 2:59 in the 11th round. Thoughts on this stoppage?

😱 #UsykRico pic. twitter. com/xwGLj5g02G — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026 “Rico, you’re an amazing fighter,” Usyk said after the win.