Usyk keeps titles with controversial Verhoeven stoppage
Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight titles in a controversial match against Rico Verhoeven. The fight ended in the 11th round with a stoppage that many deemed premature, as Verhoeven was performing well despite being a novice. Usyk acknowledged the difficulty of the fight, while Verhoeven expressed disappointment over the referee's decision and called for a rematch.
- ▪Usyk won the fight by an 11th-round stoppage against Verhoeven.
- ▪Verhoeven was the aggressor for much of the match and stunned Usyk at times.
- ▪The referee's decision to stop the fight was criticized as being harsh by Verhoeven.
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