Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven official scorecard: Two judges had it a draw before knockout

CAIRO, EGYPT - MAY 23: Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk touch gloves 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 scored a dramatic knockout of Rico Verhoeven, though it looks like the judges were on his side anyway. Saturday’s Glory in Giza event saw Usyk successfully defend his WBC heavyweight title against the all-time kickboxing great via technical knockout with one second remaining in Round 11.

Usyk’s victory appeared to be anything but guaranteed up to that point, with a bigger and more aggressive Verhoeven frequently swarming him and battering Usyk’s defenses. However, according to the official scorecards released after the fight, Usyk might have comfortably won a decision had the bout gone the distance. See the scorecards below, courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.

Scorecards at the time of the stoppage 👀 @DAZNBoxing @ringmagazine pic. twitter. com/oY6g8mpPwn — Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 23, 2026 Of the 10 rounds scored, judges Manuel Oliver Palomo and Fabian Guggenheim had the bout tied at 95-95, while judge Pasquale Procopio had Verhoeven slightly ahead at 96-94.

Had Round 11 been scored, it would have gone 10-8 in Usyk’s favor due to the late knockdown and he would have been in good position to win a decision and retain his title. However, there are sure to be many fans watching the fight wondering why the scores were that close in the first place given Verhoeven’s surprising performance and Usyk looking uncharacteristically flat. As controversial as the finish was, there would likely have been a similar uproar if Usyk had won this one on the cards.