Usyk keeps titles with controversial Verhoeven stoppage
Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight titles with a controversial stoppage win against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. Verhoeven, a novice in professional boxing, was the aggressor for much of the fight and questioned the referee's decision to stop the bout. Despite the win, Usyk struggled to find his rhythm and faced significant challenges throughout the match.
- ▪Oleksandr Usyk won by an 11th-round stoppage against Rico Verhoeven.
- ▪Verhoeven was the aggressor and stunned Usyk during the fight.
- ▪The referee's decision to stop the fight was deemed controversial by Verhoeven.
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Usyk keeps titles with controversial Verhoeven stoppageByKal SajadBBC Sport boxing journalistPublished16 minutes 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."This fight was hard.
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