Usyk Edges Verhoeven Amid Controversial Stoppage at the Pyramids

Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBC heavyweight title after stopping former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round of a crossover showdown at the Pyramids of Giza. Verhoeven stunned boxing fans early by dominating with size, power punches and relentless pressure. Usyk found his rhythm in the later rounds, unleashing precise combinations that shifted momentum. The fight ended when a sharp right uppercut sent Verhoeven crashing just seconds before the bell. Although he beat the count, the referee waved off the contest, igniting debate over the timing of the stoppage. The event’s undercard also delivered surprises. Hamzah Sheeraz captured the WBO super-middleweight title, while Jack Catterall outclassed his rival to claim the WBA welterweight belt.

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