Overview
- The heavyweight title fight at the Pyramids ended when referee Mark Lyson stopped Usyk’s attack with one second left in round 11, a finish that was ruled an 11th‑round TKO for Oleksandr Usyk after a bout many outlets described as very close on the cards on Saturday.
- Rico Verhoeven’s camp says coach Peter Fury confronted Lyson on the flight home and reported the referee told him he “didn’t hear the bell,” an admission Verhoeven’s team cites as central to their appeal.
- Verhoeven has formally announced plans to appeal the result, seeking remedies such as a no contest, a review of the timing to go to the scorecards, or a rematch depending on what boxing sanctioning bodies decide.
- Reactions among fighters and public figures are split, with critics calling the stop unfair and high‑profile supporters defending it, and commentators noting the decision puts scrutiny on officiating standards for high‑profile crossover events.
- Usyk remains the official WBC and Ring titleholder but close scorecards and the lodged appeal mean sanctioning groups, promoters, and broadcasters may face rulings that affect the title order, future rematch chances, and commercial plans.