Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven declared his intent to remain in professional boxing on Sunday, May 24, 2026, following a competitive yet controversial eleventh-round TKO loss to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The high-stakes encounter, staged outdoors at the historic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday, saw Rico Verhoeven push the undefeated WBC and WBA titleholder to the brink before referee Mark Lyson halted the contest at 2:59 of the 11th round.
Despite the defeat in only his second professional boxing appearance, Rico Verhoeven’s performance, which saw him level on two official scorecards at the time of the stoppage, has solidified his status as a legitimate heavyweight threat.
The outdoor spectacle at the Pyramids of Giza was far more than a ceremonial crossover event. Entering as a massive 12/1 underdog against a 20-1 favorite, Rico Verhoeven utilized a reported 20-kilogram weight advantage and relentless physical pressure to disrupt the rhythm of Oleksandr Usyk. com/oleksandr-usyk-vs-rico-verhoeven-glory-in-giza-details/”>Usyk-Verhoeven Giza bout details would translate into a boxing ring, and the former kickboxing champion answered by slightly outlanding the champion 113 to 112 according to CompuBox statistics.
The heavyweight champion, now 25-0 with 16 KOs, found himself in a tactical dogfight that many observers expected to be a one-sided masterclass.
Rico Verhoeven, who has defended his GLORY kickboxing heavyweight title a record 13 times, showed remarkable adaptation under the guidance of trainer Peter Fury. While Oleksandr Usyk eventually found the breakthrough with a sharp right uppercut late in the eleventh, the timing of the stoppage drew immediate fire from the Dutchman’s camp. Rico Verhoeven beat the count after the knockdown, yet Mark Lyson waved the fight off with just one second remaining in the round.
The controversy has only fueled the narrative that Rico Verhoeven has a future in the squared circle rather than returning exclusively to the kickboxing ring.
Rico Verhoeven confirms professional boxing future
“I’m here to stay,” Rico Verhoeven told DAZN Boxing in the immediate aftermath of the showdown at the Pyramids of Giza. The heavyweight was vocal about his disappointment regarding the finish but remained optimistic about his evolution as a pugilist. He noted that critics initially predicted he wouldn’t last more than four or five rounds against a technician of Oleksandr Usyk’s caliber, yet he proved he could maintain a championship pace against one of the sport’s most accomplished champions.
The scorecards at the time of the 2:59 mark in the eleventh round told a story of a surprisingly narrow margin. Two judges had the fight deadlocked at 95-95, while a third official actually had Rico Verhoeven leading 96-94. This parity suggests that the kickboxing veteran’s six months of intensive transition training have yielded significant results. He expressed that while the loss “sucks” because he was so close to shocking the world, he has no intention of treating this as a one-off appearance.
This commitment to the sport echoes the sentiment that Verhoeven’s fight at the Pyramids was a bridge-building moment for combat sports. By proving his durability and scoring ability against the unified champion, he has opened doors for high-profile matchups against other ranked heavyweights. Rico Verhoeven’s professional boxing record now stands at 1-1, but his stock has arguably never been higher following such a spirited effort in Egypt.
Analysis of the controversial eleventh round stoppage
The decision by Mark Lyson to end the fight remains the primary talking point among fans and analysts. Rico Verhoeven argued that he should have been allowed to “go out on his shield” or at least reach the end of the round, given there was only one second left on the clock. He credited Oleksandr Usyk for taking the risk of the fight but felt the referee’s intervention was premature considering the stakes and the competitive nature of the scorecards.
Oleksandr Usyk, known for his late-fight surges, had begun to take control of the momentum in the championship rounds. However, the sheer physicality of Rico Verhoeven had clearly marked the champion’s face and slowed his usually frantic footwork. It is a rare sight to see Oleksandr Usyk trailing on any scorecard this late in a contest, highlighting the unique problems posed by the Dutchman’s size and clinch work throughout the first ten rounds.
The boxing world is now looking toward what this means for the heavyweight landscape. While Oleksandr Usyk is expected to move toward a mandatory defense against Agit Kabayel, Rico Verhoeven has several lucrative options. Turki Alalshikh, the Ring Magazine owner, was involved in post-fight discussions, suggesting that Rico Verhoeven could find himself on more major international cards. He is no longer viewed as a “kickboxer trying to box,” but as a legitimate heavyweight threat who can compete at the elite level.
What comes next for the Dutch kickboxing legend
The immediate path for Rico Verhoeven likely involves a period of recovery before returning to the gym with Peter Fury. He has made it clear that he is “here to take over” rather than just participate in the sport. If he continues to show this level of improvement, a top-ranking in at least one of the major governing bodies seems possible. His ability to outland one of the most active punchers in the division serves as a warning to the rest of the heavyweight top ten.
Despite the loss, Rico Verhoeven’s performance has significantly altered the perception of crossover athletes. Unlike many who have struggled with the nuances of boxing’s timing and stamina requirements, Rico Verhoeven looked comfortable in the late rounds. The event at the Pyramids of Giza will be remembered as a night of “what ifs.” Had he survived that final second and entered the twelfth round, the pressure on the unbeaten champion would have been immense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the official scores before the Rico Verhoeven vs Oleksandr Usyk stoppage?
At the time of the 11th-round TKO, the fight was remarkably close on the official cards. Two judges had the bout even at 95-95, while the third judge had Rico Verhoeven ahead with a score of 96-94. This means Rico Verhoeven was just one round away from potentially securing a draw or a victory on the scorecards.
When and where did the Rico Verhoeven vs Oleksandr Usyk fight take place?
The heavyweight bout took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The event was held outdoors at the historic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, marking a significant international moment for professional boxing.
Why was the TKO result considered controversial by Rico Verhoeven?
The controversy centers on referee Mark Lyson stopping the fight at 2:59 of the 11th round. Rico Verhoeven had been dropped by a right uppercut and beat the count, but the referee waved the fight off with only one second remaining in the round, denying Rico Verhoeven the chance to reach the bell and recover in his corner.
