Egyptian Commission Upholds Usyk’s 11th‑Round TKO Over Verhoeven

Overview

• The Egyptian Professional Boxing Association rejected Rico Verhoeven’s formal protest and upheld Oleksandr Usyk’s 11th‑round technical knockout from the May 23 fight at the Pyramids of Giza.
• Verhoeven filed the appeal on May 24 and received the commission’s decision on June 16, which found the round bell sounded before the referee physically waved off the fight.
• The commission relied on the official timekeeper’s timing and the ringside doctor’s report that Verhoeven showed no signs of confusion or disorientation when concluding the timing did not change the outcome.
• Scorecards were razor‑close entering the 11th round, with two judges 95‑95 and one 96‑94 for Verhoeven, which fuels calls from Verhoeven for an immediate rematch despite the upheld result.
• Promotional interest in a Usyk–Verhoeven sequel exists but WBC rules and a likely mandatory defence against interim champion Agit Kabayel now shape Usyk’s near‑term path and could delay any commercial rematch.