Oleksandr Usyk's Controversial Win Over Rico Verhoeven Just Got Even More Suspicious

InnovationGamingOleksandr Usyk's Controversial Win Over Rico Verhoeven Just Got Even More SuspiciousByBrian Mazique,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow AuthorMay 26, 2026, 02:46am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.GIZA, EGYPT - MAY 24: Professional heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk (white) competes against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven (black) during the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight bout held as part of the 'Glory in Giza' event in the Giza Pyramids area in Giza, Egypt, on May 24, 2026. (Photo by Fareed Kotb/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty ImagesRico Verhoeven thought he might have gotten slighted when referee Mark Lyson inexplicably stopped the fight at the end of the 11th round. After footage of the stoppage made its rounds, there is legitimate controversy as it appears Lyson stopped the fight after the bell to end the 11th frame.Verhoeven is protesting the results and it will be interesting to see how this is handled as it appears there is video proof of Lyson's error.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guQ_9SFrE8QKey Facts at a GlanceResult: Oleksandr Usyk def. Rico Verhoeven via 11th-round TKO (2:59)Title: WBC heavyweight championship (Usyk retains, moves to 25-0)Referee: Mark LysonThe controversy: Replay appears to show the stoppage came as or after the bell soundedScorecards after 10: 95-95, 95-95, 96-94 VerhoevenStatus: Verhoeven is protesting the resultMORE FOR YOUWhat Makes The Stoppage Look So Bad On Replay?The timing is the whole problem. Usyk dropped Verhoeven with roughly 20 seconds left in the 11th, Verhoeven beat the count, and when action resumed Usyk unloaded a flurry. Critically, Verhoeven stayed on his feet with his hands high and was trying to fire back when Lyson waved it off at 2:59, one s...