Oleksandr Usyk has successfully defended his world heavyweight titles with a contentious 11th-round stoppage against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt. The highly anticipated bout, held at the Cairo Stadium in Egypt's capital, saw Usyk emerge victorious despite a disputed decision.
The Ukrainian boxer, who currently holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF world heavyweight titles, was involved in a closely contested battle with Verhoeven. The Dutch fighter, known for his impressive Muay Thai background, pushed Usyk to his limits throughout the fight.
However, it was Usyk who ultimately secured the win, knocking out Verhoeven in the 11th round. The victory has sparked debate among boxing fans and experts, with some questioning the legitimacy of the stoppage.
Usyk's win marks his 20th consecutive victory in the heavyweight division, cementing his status as one of the best boxers in the world. The 36-year-old will now look to continue his reign as world champion, with a potential showdown against other top contenders on the horizon.
Verhoeven, on the other hand, has suffered his first defeat in the heavyweight division, marking a disappointing end to his aspirations of becoming a world champion.
The highly anticipated bout was watched by a packed crowd at the Cairo Stadium, with fans from both countries turning out to support their favourite fighter.