Oleksandr Usyk stopped former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round to retain his world title and unbeaten record, avoiding one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Usyk remarkably appeared at risk of losing to the impressive Dutchman, who was competing in just his second professional fight in front of the Egyptian pyramids in Giza.
The 39-year-old produced a stunning left uppercut to drop Verhoeven in the penultimate round of the contest. Usyk then delivered another barrage of blows on Verhoeven, leading the referee to jump in and end the fight with one second remaining in the round.
The stoppage maintained the Ukrainian's perfect professional record, but Usyk, who was watched by Anthony Joshua, was tested far more than many had expected heading into the contest. Usyk repeatedly found himself on the ropes during the contest as Verhoeven rose to the occasion.
Usyk Reaction to Hard Fight
"Thank you so much. I know right now, Ukrainian people are sitting in the bomb shelter, my daughter too, in a bomb shelter, sent me a message saying, 'Papa, I love you, you will win,'" Usyk said.
"Thank you so much, Rico. You are an amazing fighter. Thank you so much to your team," Usyk added. "My team, I love you. My wife, I love you. You are my light and my heart. This fight was hard. It was a good fight. Thank you, God."
Verhoeven Disappointed by Stoppage
Verhoeven admitted to disappointment at what he believed was an early stoppage by the referee, with the Dutchman believing he could have recovered in time to go out on his shield in the final round.
"I thought it was an early stoppage but in the end it's not up to me. I was already super thankful for this opportunity for Usyk to take this fight," Verhoeven said. "His excellency told me he wants a rematch, but it's not up to me. Let's see what happens."
"I wanted the referee to let me go out on my shield or let me go in the twelfth," Verhoeven added. "I felt we were pretty even on the scorecards. I am really thankful for everyone who came out. I am super proud of my performance and hopefully, the boxing world embraces me as a boxer. I am amazingly happy to be here."
