Usyk avoids shock defeat with 11th-round stoppage of Verhoeven

Ukraine's unbeaten heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk secured a dramatic victory, stopping Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with just one second remaining in the penultimate round of their WBC title fight, thereby averting one of boxing's most significant upsets.

The highly anticipated "Glory in Giza" match, held at the picturesque pyramids of Egypt, was initially characterized as a potential mismatch. However, Verhoeven, who had only one prior professional boxing bout 12 years earlier, defied expectations from the outset of the contest.

Usyk secured a clear round only in the fourth, yet he struggled to take full advantage as Verhoeven, larger and heavier, continued to press the action. Usyk, weighing in heavier than ever before and exhibiting signs of fatigue at times, entered the 11th round needing to deliver a notable performance to secure what many believed was an assured victory.

According to scorecards released by The Ring magazine, two of the three judges had the bout level at 95-95 entering the 11th round, while the third judge had Verhoeven ahead at 96-94.

The pivotal moment arrived near the end of the round when Usyk delivered a right uppercut that sent Verhoeven to the canvas. Although Verhoeven managed to rise before the count of ten, the referee intervened to halt the bout, citing the necessity to protect the fighter from further damage.

The stoppage was recorded at two minutes and 59 seconds of the 11th round.

"I thought it was an early stoppage, but ultimately, that decision isn't mine," Verhoeven, 37, stated during an interview with DAZN. "The referee was aware that we were nearing the end of the round, and ideally, I would have preferred to either continue fighting or let the bell ring. Nevertheless, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity," he added while expressing interest in a rematch.

Shock Averted

Verhoeven was contending solely for the WBC belt, while Usyk was at risk of losing his WBA and IBF titles, which would have remained vacant had he suffered defeat.

In conclusion, Usyk extended his unbeaten record to 25 fights and retained all three championship titles.

"This fight was tough. It was a good contest. I executed my strategy with my right uppercut, delivering successful punches. Thank you, God," Usyk remarked, noting the presence of former British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Hollywood actor Jason Statham among the crowd.

Usyk also conveyed the gravity of the situation back home in Ukraine, stating, "Right now, my people and my country are under attack. My family is in bomb shelters. My daughter sent me a message: 'Papa, I love you. You win. I'm afraid.' I responded, 'Oh my God.'"

A victory for Verhoeven would have been one of the most remarkable upsets in boxing history, eclipsing Mike Tyson's defeat to James "Buster" Douglas in 1990.

Usyk, a 2012 Olympic champion and seasoned professional, was anticipated to conclude the fight well before the midway point, according to several experts who expected an even earlier outcome.

Verhoeven made an impressive entrance into the open-air venue, portraying a pharaoh and flanked by individuals holding torches, all with the illuminated pyramids as the backdrop. In contrast, Usyk opted for a more gladiatorial appearance, donning a golden helmet and a Roman centurion outfit as fireworks illuminated the night sky. Despite the elaborate theatrics, the bout proved to be one of Usyk's most formidable challenges, as he contended with a resilient opponent who exhibited strength and stamina throughout the fight.

"Thank you so much, Rico. You are an incredible fighter," Usyk concluded.