(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Usyk Defeats Verhoeven After Late Scare in Giza World Title Fight
Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk survived a tough challenge before stopping Dutch fighter Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round of their WBC heavyweight title bout held in Giza, Egypt.
The fight, staged near the Pyramids of Giza, was widely expected to be a straightforward win for Usyk. However, Verhoeven delivered a strong and competitive performance, pushing the champion far deeper into the contest than many had anticipated.
Close Contest Throughout the Fight
The bout remained highly competitive from the opening rounds, with Verhoeven showing resilience and consistent pressure against the unbeaten champion. Usyk struggled at times to fully control the pace, as the challenger landed several effective exchanges.
As the fight progressed, the contest appeared closely balanced, with both fighters having moments of success. By the later rounds, it was clear that the match was far more competitive than pre-fight expectations suggested.
Late Stoppage Secures Victory
The decisive moment came in the 11th round when Usyk landed a powerful uppercut that changed the course of the fight. The referee stepped in shortly after, stopping the contest with only seconds remaining in the round.
Although Verhoeven attempted to continue, the referee waved off the bout to prevent further damage, awarding Usyk the victory by stoppage.
With this win, Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBC heavyweight title and extended his unbeaten professional record.
Post-Fight Reaction
After the bout, Usyk praised Verhoeven for his performance, acknowledging the difficulty of the fight and the challenge posed by his opponent.
The victory keeps Usyk’s record intact while reinforcing his position among the top heavyweight champions in the sport.
