The heavyweight champion saved the furniture and avoided a loss to the Pyramids of Giza this weekend. Oleksandr Usyk defeated kickboxing figure Rico Verhoeven by technical knockout. The outcome occurred with just one second remaining in the eleventh round.

During the development of the fight, the Dutch challenger imposed physical and rhythm conditions.

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Verhoeven cornered the monarch with a volume of blows that surprised those present. In the ninth episode, coach Peter Fury told his pupil: “Don't make mistakes, don't get tired,” seeking to secure the advantage on the scorecards.

The blow that changed the course of the fight

The situation was adverse for the 39-year-old athlete until the final moments of the fight. In the eleventh round, Oleksandr Usyk landed a right uppercut that dropped his opponent. Verhoeven managed to get to his feet, but lost his mouthguard during the fall to the mat.

When the action resumed with fifteen seconds on the clock, the champion launched a flurry of consecutive impacts.

Referee Mark Lyson decided to stop the confrontation one second before the bell. The Dutchman's corner protested the official ruling, while Oleksandr Usyk dropped by to thank the result.

Reactions after the referee's arrest

Verhoeven accepted the decision with respect, although he expressed disagreement about the timing of the arrest.

"I thought it was a premature stoppage. I think the referee knew we were almost at the end of the round. I am very proud of my performance. I hope the boxing world welcomes me with open arms," ​​the challenger declared to the press.

For his part, Oleksandr Usyk recognized the work of his opponent after maintaining his undefeated record of 25 victories.

"Rico, you are an incredible boxer. Thank you very much. It was a good fight. I just boxed him. My right uppercut. Bam! Bam, bam, bam! Thank you, God," said the Ukrainian boxer about the final action of the match.

Challenges and plans for the future

Following the conclusion of the main event, WBC number one contender Agit Kabayel entered the ring.

The boxer challenged Oleksandr Usyk to a fight in a German soccer stadium. The champion's response was direct and without doubt: "Let's do it. No problem," accepting the challenge in front of the public.

Saudi manager Turki Alalshikh also shared short-term plans for the heavyweight division. “We want to see Kabayel, we want to see Rico and the rematch in Holland,” said the organizer. The next few weeks will define what the next official step will be for Oleksandr Usyk in his professional career.