Oleksandr Usyk avoided a monumental upset on Saturday, May 23, 2026, stopping Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round to retain his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The historic “Glory in Giza” event, held at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, saw the 39-year-old Ukrainian survive several difficult rounds before a clinical uppercut floored his Dutch opponent. The referee intervened to end the contest with just one second remaining in the penultimate round, a decision that proved polarising among the ringside fans.
The victory moves Oleksandr Usyk to a perfect 25-0 professional record, following his pre-fight tally of 24 wins and 15 knockouts. He successfully defended his WBC, WBA, and IBF world titles, while the WBO belt was also on the line to ensure the undisputed crown remained with the champion. This bout also marked his fifth successful defense of The Ring Heavyweight Championship and his third defense of the WBC strap, though the path to victory was far narrower than the -2000 pre-fight betting odds suggested.
Rico Verhoeven, a 37-year-old legend of the combat sports world with over 11 years as the Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion, nearly pulled off the impossible. Despite having only one previous professional boxing match in 2014, the challenger used his two-inch height and one-inch reach advantages to command the middle rounds. By the time the 11th round began, two official judges had the fight scored 95-95, while the third had Rico Verhoeven leading 96-94.
Dramatic stoppage saves Usyk in Giza twilight
The atmosphere at the ancient Egyptian landmark grew tense as Rico Verhoeven’s pressure appeared to be draining the champion. The Dutchman, who entered with a 66-10 kickboxing record, showed little respect for the champion’s pedigree. He consistently landed lead hooks and successfully crowded the smaller man, making the Usyk-Verhoeven Giza bout basics look like a potential changing of the guard rather than a routine defense.
The turning point arrived in the 11th round when Oleksandr Usyk caught the challenger with a sharp, timed uppercut that sent Rico Verhoeven to the canvas. While the challenger managed to beat the count, he was immediately met with a ferocious multi-punch combination. Sensing the challenger was no longer responding effectively, the referee stepped in to wave off the fight just before the bell. Some commentators and those in the Dutchman’s corner were vocal in their disagreement, pointing out the lead on the scorecards.
This result maintains the champion’s grip on the division but leaves room for questions about his future. Had the fight gone the full twelve rounds, the Dutch challenger could have walked away with a draw or a historic victory. Instead, the “Glory in Giza” event serves as a reminder of the champion’s durability and ability to find a finish when his legacy is most at risk.
Implications for the heavyweight landscape in late 2026
While Oleksandr Usyk remains the man to beat, this performance has likely caught the attention of other elite heavyweights. The difficulty he faced against a boxing novice will provide a blueprint for future opponents who possess the size and stamina to pressure the technician. The win keeps him at the top, but the sport’s attention is already drifting toward other major collisions expected in the coming months.
Fans are particularly focused on the United Kingdom, where a potential Fury-Joshua bout late 2026 schedule is being discussed. If the Ukrainian champion intends to defend his undisputed status again this year, he may face pressure to offer Rico Verhoeven a rematch or move on to a mandatory challenger. For now, he leaves Egypt with his belts intact, but with the aura of invincibility slightly dimmed by the Dutch kickboxer’s spirited challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the 11th round stoppage in Giza?
Oleksandr Usyk knocked down Rico Verhoeven with a counter-uppercut before following up with a combination against the ropes. The referee intervened to stop the fight with exactly one second remaining in the 11th round, awarding the Ukrainian a technical knockout victory.
What were the official scores before the fight was stopped?
The fight was exceptionally close at the time of the stoppage. One judge had Rico Verhoeven leading 96-94, while the other two judges had the contest even at 95-95. Many unofficial scorecards also had the challenger winning significant portions of the earlier rounds.
Which world titles were on the line for this match?
The bout was for the undisputed heavyweight championship, with the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles at stake. Oleksandr Usyk successfully retained all these championships, along with making his fifth defense of the Ring Magazine heavyweight title.
