Oleksandr Usyk Retains WBC Heavyweight Title in Controversial Decision
Oleksandr Usyk has successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing sensation Rico Verhoeven, but the outcome of the fight has sparked a significant amount of controversy. The 39-year-old Ukrainian champion managed to secure victory in the 11th round, with the referee stopping the bout just one second before the end of the round.
Verhoeven, who was making his second professional boxing appearance, expressed frustration over the stoppage. He believed he had earned the chance to “go out on his shield” against one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Despite the decision, Verhoeven acknowledged that the final call was not up to him.
“I thought it was an early stoppage. In the end, it’s not up to me,” he said. “Don’t stop it man, it was so close. Let me go out on my shield.”
The reaction on social media was overwhelmingly negative towards the early stoppage. Fans and analysts alike took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to voice their opinions on the controversial decision.
Even the ever-polarising Jake Paul weighed in on the decision, expressing his disbelief at the referee’s call. Paul, a known fan of Usyk, felt that Verhoeven deserved a chance to continue, especially given that he had been in control for large portions of the 12-round fight.
“I mean that’s the most insane shit I’ve ever seen,” Paul said via X. “Rico winning every round and the moment the ref sees to end it then he ends it are you kidding? I’m the biggest Usyk fan but bro you lost that shit. Shoutout to Rico for beating his ass every round and getting jipped.”
While there was plenty of speculation surrounding the stoppage itself, the official scorecards also did not have Verhoeven ahead, much to the surprise of many observers.
The highly anticipated heavyweight crossover bout took place in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for fans and participants alike.
Usyk, now with a perfect record of 25-0 as a professional, remains undefeated. However, his future in the ring is still uncertain, and fans are eager to see who will be next to challenge the Ukrainian icon.
He has already secured victories over some of the sport’s most formidable opponents, including Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Joshua, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant heavyweights of his generation.
A rematch between Usyk and Verhoeven was suggested following the fight, but Usyk did not seem to show interest in such an opportunity.
