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Usyk Stops Verhoeven in 11th, Title Retained Amid Controversy

5/25/2026

30 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Usyk Stops Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk stopped Rico Verhoeven at 2:59 of round 11 in Cairo, keeping his WBC heavyweight title.
Referee Mark Lyson halted the fight after Usyk knocked Verhoeven down, with judges scoring it 95-95, 95-95 and 96-94 for Verhoeven.
Verhoeven appealed, saying the stoppage came after the bell, while observers Jake Paul and Tom Aspinall called it premature and a robbery.

Summary

Usyk Next Fight

Usyk was offered a rematch with Verhoeven or a heavyweight bout with Agit Kabayel.
Agit Kabayel publicly challenged Usyk, saying he is ready to fight in Germany.
Peter Fury, Verhoeven’s coach, claimed the stoppage was early and urged a rematch.
Frank Warren stated that a Verhoeven rematch must wait until Kabayel is faced.
Usyk responded on social media that he is prepared to fight either opponent.

History

Historical Context

In June 1997, Mike Tyson was disqualified for biting Evander Holyfield’s ear, prompting a $3 million fine and license revocation by the Nevada Athletic Commission. The controversy set a precedent that resurfaced in 2024 when Oleksandr Usyk’s stoppage of Verhoeven in Cairo drew immediate calls for a rematch from Peter Fury, Frank Warren and Jake Paul.

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Usyk Stops Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk stopped Rico Verhoeven at 2:59 of round 11 in Cairo, keeping his WBC heavyweight title.
Referee Mark Lyson halted the fight after Usyk knocked Verhoeven down, with judges scoring it 95-95, 95-95 and 96-94 for Verhoeven.
Verhoeven appealed, saying the stoppage came after the bell, while observers Jake Paul and Tom Aspinall called it premature and a robbery.

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