Usyk Retains Titles with Controversial Stoppage vs Verhoeven
Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles with a dramatic and controversial TKO victory over Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza yesterday, May 23, 2026. Despite Verhoeven seemingly leading on scorecards, the referee stopped the fight with only two seconds left in the 11th round after Usyk dropped him with a stunning uppercut.
Verhoeven, who had only boxed once before in 2014, troubled Usyk throughout the bout with his bulldozing aggression and powerful right hand. Despite being a kickboxing legend, he proved a formidable opponent, dropping Usyk in the third round and appearing to control most of the early rounds. After the controversial stoppage, Verhoeven expressed disappointment but thanked Usyk for offering him a rematch.
Usyk dedicated the victory to Ukrainian people currently in bomb shelters, including his daughter who sent him a message of support. In a post-fight development, Germany's Agit Kabayel entered the ring to challenge Usyk for his next title defense, with Usyk accepting the potential bout.