Oleksandr Usyk secured a controversial late knockout victory over Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, preventing what would have been one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. The bout took place at the iconic pyramids of Giza, where Verhoeven, a renowned kickboxing champion, was competing in just his second professional boxing match, challenging Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title.

Turning Point in the 11th Round

As the fight progressed, Verhoeven appeared to be ahead on points, especially as the 11th round began. However, Usyk intensified his attack, leading to a pivotal moment when Verhoeven was caught with an uppercut in the corner, resulting in a knockdown. Although Verhoeven managed to beat the referee's count and was given additional time to recover, the fight was ultimately stopped shortly after Usyk unleashed a flurry of punches against the ropes.

Controversy Surrounding the Stoppage

The referee's decision to halt the contest sparked debate, with many believing he should have allowed the round to conclude. Others contended that Verhoeven had already received sufficient time to recover from the knockdown. Regardless, Usyk, now 39, maintained his unbeaten record and retained the WBC title, narrowly avoiding a historic upset in Egypt.

Throughout the match, Usyk struggled to find his rhythm, which some attributed to Verhoeven's effective strategy. The Dutch fighter, 37, fought aggressively, winning clinch exchanges and landing solid shots to both the head and body. Usyk, who seemed to lose the initial rounds, ultimately needed a stoppage to secure victory, which he achieved at 2:59 of the 11th round. Despite the contentious ending, Verhoeven remained gracious in defeat, expressing his thoughts on the stoppage while acknowledging the opportunity he had been given.

In the aftermath, Usyk reflected on the significance of the win, dedicating it to his family and country amid ongoing turmoil in Ukraine. He shared a message from his daughter, who expressed her belief in his victory, underscoring the emotional weight of the fight for him.