Rico Verhoeven’s appeal over his controversial stoppage loss to Oleksandr Usyk has been rejected, but the Dutchman still believes the fight deserves an immediate rematch.
Verhoeven challenged Usyk for the heavyweight titles last month at the Pyramids of Giza and came far closer than many expected. After 11 competitive rounds, Usyk dropped him late, then followed with a flurry before referee Mark Lyson stopped the fight.
The controversy came from the timing. Verhoeven’s appeal argued that the bell to end round 11 had already sounded before the referee waved the fight off. According to Verhoeven, the commission confirmed that point, while also noting that the ringside doctor said he showed no signs of confusion or disorientation afterward.
Still, the commission ruled that those findings did not change the outcome. Verhoeven accepted the decision publicly but made clear he feels the ending remains unfinished.
“This has never been about taking anything away from Oleksandr,” Verhoeven said. “He’s one of the greatest fighters of this generation and I have nothing but respect for what he’s achieved.”
For Verhoeven, the issue is simple: fans were denied the 12th round after watching the fight build toward a dramatic finish. “Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch!” he said.
Usyk’s next move is now between unfinished business with Verhoeven or a mandatory defense against Agit Kabayel. Either way, the debate around the ending has not gone away.
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