Overview
- Usyk stopped Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round of their fight that took place on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza when referee Mark Lyson waved the bout off after Usyk landed a lead uppercut and Verhoeven hit the canvas.
- The finish drew widespread dispute because replays and participants suggest the stoppage occurred at or after the round bell and published scorecards showed the fight effectively tied after 10 rounds.
- Verhoeven’s team has filed an appeal with the WBC, asked for an apology, and publicly protested the timing of the stoppage while Usyk’s camp defended the referee as protecting the fighter’s health.
- WBC officials have signalled they may elevate Verhoeven in the rankings, but the organisation also recognises Agit Kabayel as the mandatory challenger, a requirement that could force Usyk to face Kabayel before any rematch.
- With commission and sanctioning reviews underway and promoters pushing for a commercial rematch, the likely next steps are ranking decisions and negotiations rather than an overturned result, which is rare.