Was Rico Verhoeven Robbed Vs. Oleksandr Usyk? Here Are The Facts

CAIRO, EGYPT - MAY 23: Rico Verhoeven looks dejected following defeat in 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 Rico Verhoeven nearly shocked the world on Saturday in Egypt. In a fight that almost no one gave him a chance to win, the iconic kickboxer nearly defeated lineal heavyweight boxing champion, Oleksandr Usyk.

Officially, Usyk won the fight via 11th-round TKO, but there are mounds of controversy around referee Mark Lyson's decision to stop the bout in the penultimate round. Late in the 11th round, Usyk dropped Verhoeven with a vicious uppercut. Verhoeven got to his feet, and was inexplicably given extra time to put his mouthpiece back in.

Seconds later, just as the bell to end the round sounds, Lyson leaps in to call a halt to the fight. Blow-by-blow commentator Todd Grisham screams, "what are you doing? " And rightfully so.

Verhoeven was in trouble, but there wasn't enough time in the round for him to take any more damage. Here is a look at the highlights of the fight, including the ending. Key Facts at a Glance Result: Oleksandr Usyk def.