Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight titles on May 24, 2026 [4], winning by an 11th-round technical knockout against Rico Verhoeven [1].
The victory preserves Usyk's standing as the WBC heavyweight champion while avoiding a monumental upset by the Dutch kickboxing legend. The bout took place in Giza, Egypt, with the Pyramids of Giza serving as the backdrop [5].
The match concluded in a controversial last-second stoppage that left Verhoeven's corner fuming [1]. Despite the dramatic finish, the official ruling ensured Usyk kept his titles after a grueling contest that pushed both fighters to their limits [1].
Physical disparities played a role in the dynamics of the fight. Usyk entered the ring at a weight of 16 st 9 lb [2]. According to reports, Usyk was 25 lb lighter than Verhoeven during the bout [3].
Verhoeven, known for his dominance in kickboxing, threatened a shock defeat for the champion throughout the fight [1]. The 11th-round stoppage occurred just as the momentum appeared to shift, preventing a potential loss for the Ukrainian fighter [1].
“Usyk won by an 11th‑round technical knockout after a controversial last‑second stoppage”
This result maintains the current hierarchy of the heavyweight division but introduces a cloud of controversy due to the timing of the referee's intervention. The fact that a kickboxing specialist like Verhoeven nearly forced an upset suggests a vulnerability in Usyk's dominance, potentially influencing how future opponents approach the champion's defensive gaps.
