Usyk keeps titles with controversial Verhoeven stoppage

Usyk keeps titles with controversial Verhoeven stoppageByKal SajadBBC Sport boxing journalistPublished1 minute agoA fortunate Oleksandr Usyk retained his world heavyweight titles in Egypt with a highly controversial 11th-round stoppage win against boxing novice Rico Verhoeven.Verhoeven, in just his second professional boxing fight, was the clear aggressor for long spells, stunning generational great Usyk in a way nobody expected.Possibly behind on the judges' cards, Ukrainian Usyk produced a late surge and landed a sharp left uppercut that sent the Dutchman to the canvas.Verhoeven beat the count, but a follow-up flurry in the closing seconds of the round prompted the referee to step in and wave it off - a decision that looked extremely harsh on the challenger.More to follow.Related topicsBoxingBoxing schedule and results 2026Published10 MayWatch every Born to Brawl episodePublished28 April 2024More boxing from the BBCNotifications, social media and more with BBC SportPublished16 August 2025