Oleksandr Usyk Defends Heavyweight World Title with TKO Victory Over Former Kickboxer Rico Verhoeven
Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight world titles with an 11th-round TKO over former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, landing a devastating left uppercut that ended the surprisingly competitive fight despite tied scorecards.
Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight world title with a TKO victory over Rico Verhoeven, a former kickboxer competing in only his second professional boxing bout, in the 11th round.
Usyk faced off against Verhoeven in Egypt in what was the fighter's second professional boxing match, with the WBC and WBA heavyweight championship belts at stake.
The fight proved surprisingly competitive for fans until the 11th round, when Usyk accelerated his pace and landed a devastating left uppercut that sent Verhoeven to the canvas. After his opponent rose, Usyk unleashed a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight, despite the scorecards showing 95-95, 95-95, and Verhoeven leading 96-94.
The 39-year-old Usyk retained both heavyweight championship belts and extended his professional record to 25 wins with no losses. Verhoeven protested the stoppage as premature and called for a rematch, though that decision rests with Usyk.
