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Usyk Wins TKO, Controversial Early Stoppage Sparks Outcry

5/25/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Usyk Wins TKO

Boxer Oleksandr Usyk won TKO as referee Mark Lyson stopped bout with second left in round 11 on May 23 2026 in Egypt.
Judges had kickboxer Rico Verhoeven ahead 96-94 on card and tied 95-95.
Verhoeven posted an Instagram appeal saying referee stopped fight after the bell.
Boxer Anthony Joshua said the stoppage was too early.
Fighter Francis Ngannou called the decision a robbery and urged oversight and instant-replay for fights.

Summary

Usyk Boosts Ukraine

Usyk said his daughter was sheltering in a bomb shelter while he fought in Egypt and that he dedicated the victory to his country amid ongoing bombing.
The bout at the Pyramids of Giza featured Verhoeven entering as a pharaoh and Usyk fighting in a Roman-centurion helmet, linking the match to gladiatorial imagery.
The fight’s timing drew worldwide focus on Ukraine, providing a morale boost for Ukrainians watching the broadcast.

Summary

Alalshikh Pushes Kabayel

Turki Alalshikh called the 11th-round stoppage a “bad stoppage” and wants Oleksandr Usyk to fight mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel next in Germany.
Alalshikh wants Usyk to meet Rico Verhoeven for two more fights after Kabayel, extending the Giza storyline.
DAZN promotes “Glory in Giza” as a single PPV or part of its Ultimate Tier, bundled with Zayas-Ennis (June 27), Joshua-Prenga (July 25) and Canelo-M'billi (Sept 12).

History

Historical Context

In June 1997, Mike Tyson was disqualified for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear at the MGM Grand, a bout that grossed $100 million and prompted the New York State Athletic Commission to adopt instant-replay stoppage reviews. Decades later, Oleksandr Usyk’s 11th-round TKO of Rico Verhoeven in Giza drew criticism from Anthony Joshua, reviving the same replay-safety debate.

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Usyk Wins TKO

Boxer Oleksandr Usyk won TKO as referee Mark Lyson stopped bout with second left in round 11 on May 23 2026 in Egypt.
Judges had kickboxer Rico Verhoeven ahead 96-94 on card and tied 95-95.
Verhoeven posted an Instagram appeal saying referee stopped fight after the bell.
Boxer Anthony Joshua said the stoppage was too early.
Fighter Francis Ngannou called the decision a robbery and urged oversight and instant-replay for fights.

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