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Usyk Retains Titles After 11th-Round Stoppage; Appeal Dismissed

6/24/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Lyson Stoppage Upheld

Referee Mark Lyson stopped the Usyk–Verhoeven bout in the 11th round after the bell, awarding Usyk the win and his heavyweight titles.
Verhoeven appealed the stoppage to the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission.
The commission upheld the result, saying the timing did not affect the outcome and dismissing the protest.
It said Lyson acted in good faith for safety and could only overturn the decision if he had acted improperly.

Summary

Usyk Retirement

Sergey Lapin said a decision on Usyk’s next fight will be announced by week’s end.
Usyk is considering retirement and could quit boxing within days.
A Kabayel bout would need broadcaster and site-fee support and would strip Usyk of his WBC title, making Kabayel full champion.
Lapin said the team is already discussing alternative major fights.
He added that any future Usyk appearance will be special.

Summary

Usyk vs Kabayel

Dave Allen, Oleksandr Usyk’s former sparring partner, says Agit Kabayel is the man to beat the champion.
Agit Kabayel secured mandatory challenger status by stopping Zhilei Zhang in February 2025.
Oleksandr Usyk’s undefeated record remains intact after a near-upset by Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven last month.
Rico Verhoeven is reportedly seeking a rematch while Dave Allen suggests the next fight may instead pit Oleksandr Usyk against Agit Kabayel.

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Lyson Stoppage Upheld

Referee Mark Lyson stopped the Usyk–Verhoeven bout in the 11th round after the bell, awarding Usyk the win and his heavyweight titles.
Verhoeven appealed the stoppage to the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission.
The commission upheld the result, saying the timing did not affect the outcome and dismissing the protest.
It said Lyson acted in good faith for safety and could only overturn the decision if he had acted improperly.

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