Usyk vs Verhoeven LIVE
- Oleksandr Usyk retained WBC heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven in controversial fashion
- Kickboxer Verhoeven seemed to be ahead on scorecards after remarkable performance
- But Usyk scored divisive KO in final second of 11th round to avoid historic upset
- Ukrainian keeps title and stays unbeaten after wild night at pyramids of Giza
- What next for Usyk? Rematch with Verhoeven or mandatory defence vs Agit Kabayel?
- Action streamed live exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view around the world
Report: Usyk scores controversial, late KO to deny Verhoeven all-time upset
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:50 , Alex Pattle
Oleksandr Usyk beat Rico Verhoeven in controversial fashion on Saturday, avoiding one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.
Verhoeven, an icon of the kickboxing world, was boxing professionally for just the second time as he challenged Usyk for the WBC heavyweight title – at the pyramids of Giza, no less.
And Verhoeven was arguably on track for a remarkable result, seemingly ahead on points as the 11th round – the penultimate frame – arrived. But it was at that moment that Usyk began to dial up the pressure on Verhoeven, who then walked onto an uppercut in the corner, which dropped him to his knees.
Verhoeven beat the referee’s count and was given extra time to recover as his mouthguard was put back in, but when Usyk swarmed the Dutchman with more offence on the ropes, the official waved off the bout as the bell sounded.
Many will have felt that the referee should have let the round finish, while others will argue that Verhoeven was already given extra time to recover from the knockdown.
In any case, the result saw Usyk, 39, maintain his unbeaten record, retain the WBC belt, and avoid a historic upset in Egypt.
Full report:
Oleksandr Usyk scores controversial, late KO to deny Rico Verhoeven all-time upset
Rico came closer to beating Usyk than AJ, Fury or Dubois did!
03:00 , Alex Pattle
All of us watching that stoppage 😅#UsykRico pic.twitter.com/wDGKp3VYGY
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026
A good question...
02:00 , Alex Pattle
Would the fight have been stopped had Usyk been in Rico's shoes?! #UsykRico pic.twitter.com/Fc7ThGM4BF
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026
Usyk’s reaction to the fight
01:30 , Alex Pattle
Usyk post fight interview 👀
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026
🎟️ Buy USYK vs RICO HERE -->https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#UsykRico | Live now on DAZN | @RingMagazine pic.twitter.com/csUgTKYmqS
Major respect to Rico for this
01:00 , Alex Pattle
All class from Rico Verhoeven 🙌
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026
🎟️ Buy USYK vs RICO HERE -->https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#UsykRico | Live now on DAZN | @RingMagazine pic.twitter.com/6D9VC0ZiJp
Kabayel or Rico 2?
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:45 , Alex Pattle
Who's next for Usyk?! 😤
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026
🎟️ Buy USYK vs RICO HERE -->https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#UsykRico | Live now on DAZN | @RingMagazine pic.twitter.com/BT2RvY7jvc
Watch the controversial stoppage
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:35 , Alex Pattle
Thoughts on this stoppage? 😱#UsykRico pic.twitter.com/xwGLj5g02G
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026
What on earth just happened?
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:28 , Alex Pattle
What a fight that was. If that had been allowed to go into round 12, would Usyk have got the stoppage anyway? Would he have hurt Rico further and snatched a draw? Or would Rico have won?
Who's next for Usyk – Kabayel or Verhoeven?
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:21 , Alex Pattle
Usyk is asked whom he wants to face next, out of Kabayel and Verhoeven:
“I can box them both.
“I want to dedicate this victory to the Ukrainian soldiers.”
Rico reacts to controversial defeat
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:19 , Alex Pattle
Agit Kabayel is in the ring, with The Ring’s Rick Reno calling for that fight with Usyk – and Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh saying there should be a rematch with Rico.
“Yeah of course, I thought it was an early stoppage, but in the end it’s not up to me,” Verhoeven says.
“But still, I thought it was a little bit early. I thought the referee knows that we’re nearly at the end of the round.
“So let me go out on my shield or let the bell go.
“But it’s not up to me, and I was already super thankful for the opportunity.”
Usyk speaks on victory
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:17 , Alex Pattle
“Thank you so much, for me it’s very important, but for me I know right now in Ukraine – my people, my country – are being bombed.
“My family, my daughter, too, is in a bomb shelter and sent me a message. She said, ‘I know you’ll win.’
“I prayed, I said... Oh, my god... Thank you so much.
“Rico, you’re an amazing fighter, thank you so much. Coach, smart.
“My team, I love you, you are the best.
“Katarina – my wife – I love you. You’re my life, you’re my heart.”
One second left, apparently, in round 11
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:13 , Alex Pattle
Oleksandr Usyk def. Rico Verhoeven via 11th-round TKO (2:59)
And still. Still champ, still unbeaten.
Rico is gracious to applaud...
USYK STOPS RICO LATE
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:08 , Alex Pattle
Round 11
Into the championship rounds. Some strong hooks from Verhoeven.
Now Usyk with a pair of clean hooks upstairs! And an upperrcut. Stiff jab by Rico, then some body work.
DOWN GOES RICO!! Oh, with Usyk going backwards, he clocks Rico badly with an uppercut, and the challenger drops to his knees in the corner!
He beats the ref’s count, but his mouthguard came out, and that earns him time to recover late in the round.
Back under way, Usyk swarms him...
OH BUT WHAT?!?! NO!! THE REF JUST STEPPED IN AS THE BELL SOUNDED!
USYK WINS, BUT THE REF SURELY HAD TO LET THAT GO ONE MORE SECOND!
Wild end to the round!!
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:04 , Alex Pattle
Round 10
More aggressive entries from Rico, stifling Usyk.
Every time Usyk starts to look more like himself, Verhoeven fires back with heavy offence.
Now the Dutchman buries two hooks into the mid-section of Usyk.
Nice hook by Usyk as Verhoeven comes forward, then an uppercut, and more hooks!!
Verhoeven is breathing heavily and retreating, but he’s shaking his head at Usyk!
Usyk stole that round there, I think... Great work near the end.
Usyk 3-7 Verhoeven.
Usyk needs something huge now
Sunday 24 May 2026 00:00 , Alex Pattle
Round nine
Decent cross by Rico. Usyk with another rear uppercut then a pawing lead cross. Rico swarms him and buries a ton of body shots in there!
Rico is making this round messy, grappling and then throwing in the clinch. It’s working for now.
Usyk 2-7 Verhoeven.
Look, it could be closer. But SURELY Verhoeven is ahead, regardless.
Has Verhoeven just sealed a draw at last – barring a KO either way?
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:56 , Alex Pattle
Round eight
Usyk looks a little flat, lacking his usual verve and imagination. But let’s be fair: that could be down to what Rico is bringing!
Which is a HUGE cross now! And another, and a hook, and a body shot!
A long uppercut just misses for Usyk. The next lands, as does a straight shot. Rico replies by grabbing the champ and driving him to the ropes.
Rico has slowed down in terms of output, but he’s still moving a lot. Another uppercut from Usyk, but back comes Rico!!
Usyk 2-6 Verhoeven. It could be closer, but Rico might have already banked enough rounds for a draw, barring a stoppage...
Verhoeven steals another round?
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:52 , Alex Pattle
Round seven
Rico is still light on his feet and moving forward, keeping his jab hand active. He does walk onto a hook, however.
Nice uppercut and hook by Usyk now – both with his left hand. Stinging cross by Verhoeven.
Oh! Another big shot from Rico! Usyk with some big hook attempts in response!
This was an Usyk round for a while, but did it swing the other way? I think so...
Usyk 2-5 Verhoeven. Rico genuinely may be two rounds from a win...
Verhoeven slightly ahead at the midway point?
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:48 , Alex Pattle
Round six
Usyk barely misses with a rear uppercut. Forward comes Rico, and this time Usyk lands that uppercut.
The stats slightly favour Usyk at this juncture.
Rico lets his hands go with a varied selection of shots, but none of them beat the guard of Usyk. A jab does, though. And another, and a cross!
Good counter left cross from Usyk – partially blocked, though.
Right hook to the body from Rico, who might have stolen that round.
Usyk 2-4 Verhoeven??
Usyk growing into the fight
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:44 , Alex Pattle
Round five
Rico with a strong cross, Usyk with a nice left hook, and then the kickboxer drives the Ukrainian to the ropes.
Good jab work by Usyk. Rico skips around, light on his feet.
Decent combination from Rico, and a solid uppercut effort by Usyk.
The action slows a bit as the round progresses, but it’s probably jussssssst about another frame to Usyk.
Usyk 2-3 Verhoeven.
Usyk on the scoreboard as fight really opens up
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:39 , Alex Pattle
Round four
Tons of movement from Verhoeven, who comes in with a long jab. Nice uppercut by Usyk while going backwards, then a left hook.
Wow, quickfire flurry by Rico with Usyk on the ropes!
Another rear uppercut by Usyk. That shot is starting to work for him. Both men are landing now, Usyk is starting to dial it up, but he can’t get complacent...
Stern cross upstairs from Usyk, who then goes to the body with a right. Verhoeven swarms Usyk and holds him to buy some time.
Back in the open, Usyk grazes the challenger with a left hook. More uppercuts from Usyk, not quite landing, then Rico with a big right overhand! And another!
Out comes Rico’s gumshield late in the round.
Usyk 1-3 Verhoeven.
Verhoeven with some massive lands
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:35 , Alex Pattle
Round three
Usyk looks to make a fast start to round three, but Verhoeven lands a hard cross to the body then apologises – although it looked fine?! Usyk just didn’t like it at all!
Oh! Big left hook from Verhoeven, but Usyk fires back in kind. This is a frantic period right now.
Heavyyy combination from Rico now, as he mixes in hooks and uppercuts well.
OH! Massive right hook by Rico, how did Usyk eat that? Again he fires back immediately, though.
Usyk with a hard left hook of his own. Verhoeven comes forward with a slew of jabs. This one is opening up!
3-0 to Verhoeven... but plenty of time left for Usyk.
How long can Verhoeven keep this up?
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:31 , Alex Pattle
Round two
Usyk holds the centre of the ring, but Verhoeven refuses to be pushed back for long. Rico is circling almost exclusively to Usyk’s right – away from the southpaw power hand.
Rico backs up Usyk and lets his hands go as the champ covers up. Good left hook to the body by Verhoeven.
The Dutchman’s aggressive entries and high volume seem to be troubling Usyk, but the Ukrainian is starting to throw more counters. Decent uppercut from him now.
Lots of volume from Usyk at the moment, if mainly with the jab. He’s cornered, though, and Rico unloads again.
Good, short punches from Verhoeven in the clinch, then a big right on the break!
Maybe another round for Rico?
Verhoeven with a strong start
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:27 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Usyk stands southpaw as usual, although he can switch stances well. Verhoeven is orthodox.
Lots of movement and jab feints from Rico early, then a decent cross to the body. Usyk flicks out his lead hand with jabs and to get a look at some hooks.
“Rico” is the ringside chant now.
A messy entry from Rico, but it seems to make Usyk a bit uncomfortable! Was there a clash of heads there? Maybe. Rico drives the champ to the ropes.
Decent jab by Rico, as Usyk misses with a couple. Oh, hard right hand by Verhoeven, landing to the body!
Verhoeven takes round one!
Good support for Usyk
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:20 , Alex Pattle
There’s a decent contingent here to support Usyk tonight, whether that’s just his team making a lot of noise or even a few more fans. An “Us-yk” chant rings around the necropolis.
Usyk dressed as soldier as he marches to the ring
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:13 , Alex Pattle
More fireworks go off as Usyk makes his ring walk, clad in a... Roman-esque soldier’s outfit.
He doesn’t waste his time.
Spectacle as Verhoeven reaches ring
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:10 , Alex Pattle
Verhoeven reaches a platform then punches the floor, which signals the start of fireworks in the background – in front of the pyramids.
Now he’s hopping on the spot, before he darts to the ring when his music properly drops.
The kickboxing icon, 37, is in the ring!
RING WALKS FINALLY UNDER WAY
Saturday 23 May 2026 23:08 , Alex Pattle
At last! Here comes Verhoeven, wearing a mean expression, accompanied by six... well, they’re supposed to be ancient Egyptians!
Indy Sport’s prediction for Usyk vs Verhoeven
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:58 , Alex Pattle
Look, against Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou showed that anything truly can happen in heavyweight boxing; the former UFC champ dropped the Briton and was unlucky not to be awarded a decision win.
BUT...
Fury wasn’t in great shape for that fight, and his chin has been checked a few times. I expect Usyk to be more diligent than Fury was.
This should be a nailed-on Usyk win, and surely a stoppage, but when?
That depends on how aggressive Verhoeven is. If Verhoeven comes out swinging early, he’ll likely get tagged badly. If he’s patient and awkward, he might make it into the second half of the fight.
Verhoeven also needs to make the most of every clinch.
The pyramids of Giza loom large
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:47 , Alex Pattle
Verhoeven recreates mother’s pyramid photos after her recent death
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:36 , Alex Pattle
Verhoeven this week paid tribute to his recently-deceased mother, by recreating photos that she took at the pyramids of Giza 30 years ago.
“I lost my mother earlier this year, and especially these last years it was hard for her to be at the events,” the Dutchman told The Ring after sharing his – and his mother’s – photos on Instagram.
“So, a lot of times she was just watching on TV. And I know now she is with me everywhere, everywhere I go, so that’s a really nice and comfortable feeling. Yeah, I feel blessed to have her as my guardian angel right now.
“I was really thankful that I got the time to [recreate those photos], to experience that and really be in that moment and create that – like, that same picture that she made, like around 30 years ago.”
More here:
Rico Verhoeven recreates mother’s photos at pyramids after death during fight camp
Verhoeven rival on the ‘X factors’ that the kickboxer may bring
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:33 , Alex Pattle
We spoke to Verhoeven’s former training partner – and almost-opponent – Alistair Overeem about tonight’s main event.
Here’s what the kickboxing icon turned UFC heavyweight contender said about the “X factors” that Verhoeven brings:
Can Rico Verhoeven beat Oleksandr Usyk? Kickboxer’s rival highlights ‘X factors’
More from Steve Bunce: Why Usyk has earned his crazy pyramids scheme
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:30 , Alex Pattle
“There are, obviously, heavyweights who deserve a fight with Usyk, but the Ukraine idol has been on a relentless journey through the division with six consecutive wins in two title fights each against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
“If any heavyweight in history deserves a break, an easy voluntary, it is Usyk.
“And it is Saudi money making the Usyk vs Verhoeven fight, which is being dubbed “Glory at Giza”, a reality.”
Full preview:
Oleksandr Usyk has earned his crazy pyramids scheme – it’s nothing new in boxing
Steve Bunce: Usyk’s showdown with Verhoeven will be magical... but murky
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:26 , Alex Pattle
“Under a moon, under the stars, and with the pyramids glowing in their neon splendour, Rico Verhoeven will attempt the impossible in the middle of the magical tonight.
“In the opposite corner will be heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk, surrounded by his merry men and lightly dancing on his toes until it is time to fight. The pyramids of Giza will form the backdrop to the latest crazy story in boxing’s rich tradition of mayhem: it’s crossover season again.
“Verhoeven will not win, but he will be a dangerous nuisance until Usyk breaks him. If Usyk loses, it will be the biggest shock ever in any sport.”
Full preview from Steve Bunce:
Oleksandr Usyk’s showdown with Rico Verhoeven will be magical... but murky, too
Usyk vs Verhoeven up next
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:21 , Alex Pattle
Usyk is set for a unique challenge here, as he takes on kickboxing icon Verhoeven.
The fight will take place under pure boxing rules, as Usyk defends the WBC heavyweight title against the Dutchman, who has boxed just once professionally (but who has long trained under Tyson Fury’s uncle Peter).
The unbeaten Usyk, 39, is naturally a heavy favourite here, with the bout seen as somewhat of a side quest before the Ukrainian’s next fight, which is expected to be a WBC mandatory title defence.
Still, the unified champion cannot afford to be complacent against Verhoeven, 37, who is one of the greatest strikers that combat sports has ever seen.
Sheeraz stops Begic to the body!
Saturday 23 May 2026 22:08 , Alex Pattle
Round two
Nice lead uppercut by Sheeraz. Begic is starting to fire now, though. He lets go with a combination on a shelled-up Sheeraz.
Oh! But Sheeraz replies with a harddd left hook, which stumbles Begic...
Four extra left hooks now – four in a row! Sheeraz then varies his offence, but he keeps going back to the left hook.
Begic is wobbly... The ref is taking a look... Sheeraz is bullying the German veteran.
Another hard left hook, jeez. The sound on that. Now a left hook to the body, and down goes Begic!
He can’t beat the count, it’s over. Thank goodness.
With that, Sheeraz stays unbeaten, hands Begic his first loss, and collects the vacant WBO super-middleweight belt!
A career-defining night for Catterall
Saturday 23 May 2026 21:51 , Alex Pattle
Usyk vs Verhoeven undercard results so far
Saturday 23 May 2026 21:37 , Alex Pattle
Two fights left:
Hamzah Sheeraz vs Alem Begic, and Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven.
Undercard results so far:
Jack Catterall def. Shakhram Giyasov via unanimous decision (118-109, 119-108, 116-111)
Frank Sanchez def. Richard Torrez Jr via second-round KO
Mizuki Hiruta def. Mai Soliman via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92)
Benjamin Mendes Tani def. Daniel Lapin via fourth-round TKO
Catterall finally claims world title!
Saturday 23 May 2026 21:36 , Alex Pattle
Jack Catterall def. Shakhram Giyasov via unanimous decision (118-109, 119-108, 116-111)
Jack Catterall is a world champion at last! He picks up the WBA Regular welterweight title.
Good for him. What a performance tonight. A classy boxer when he’s on, and he was on tonight.
Catterall drops Giyasov for the second time!
Saturday 23 May 2026 21:19 , Alex Pattle
Round 10
Catterall sits down Giyasov again!
It had been a comfortable round up until this point, and Catterall now drives home his superiority with a left that puts the Uzbek on the canvas for the second time tonight.
Catterall drops Giyasov in round one!
Saturday 23 May 2026 20:43 , Alex Pattle
Round one
Giyasov takes the centre of the ring early, before Catterall shifts the momentum, and now it shifts back again.
Catterall with a long left cross to the body. Still Giyasov comes forward with a huge deal of pressure.
OH!! Catterall drops Giyasov with a clean cross upstairs!
Giyasov is sat on his backside... He beats the ref’s count, but Catterall is keen to end this now...
The Briton with another hard land upstairs, then a nice combination that centres on a left uppercut to the body.
Giyasov makes it to the buzzer, still aiming to box on the front foot, somehow!
SANCHEZ STUNS TORREZ JR WITH HUGE KO
Saturday 23 May 2026 19:56 , Alex Pattle
Round two
OH, MY GOODNESS!
Torrez Jr crouches and is tagged by a right hand from Sanchez – somewhere between an uppercut and a hook – and the prospect is DOWN!
It’s immediately clear he won’t make it back up, but he tries! He gets to his knees late in the count, but he falls again... heavily.
His zero is GONE. Sanchez with a statement victory.
THIS IS BRUTAL 😤
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) May 23, 2026
🎟️ Buy USYK vs RICO HERE -->https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#UsykRico | Live now on DAZN | @RingMagazine pic.twitter.com/Z4KQfekrK5
How to watch Usyk vs Verhoeven
Saturday 23 May 2026 18:20 , Alex Pattle
The event will stream live exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view around the world. The fight card will cost £24.99 / $59.99, and viewers do not need a DAZN subscription to purchase the event. However, there is plenty of upcoming action on DAZN, with subscriptions available here and starting at £15.99 per month.
