Verhoeven Shows Grit, but Usyk Prevails in a Hard-Fought Battle in Giza

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven by TKO in the 11th round in the main event of a boxing gala in Giza.

Until the first knockdown, the fight was highly competitive, with Verhoeven defying many experts' predictions of a quick loss against the undefeated professional boxer, Oleksandr Usyk. The referee stopped the contest just one second before the end of the 11th round.

Round 1: Verhoeven started the fight stronger, landing a powerful right hook to Usyk's chin, but the Ukrainian took the shot well. Midway through the round, the Dutchman rushed in again, but the two boxers clashed heads, leading to a clinch. For the remainder of the round, Usyk focused primarily on defense and counter-attacks, avoiding any major risks.

Here's how the fight unfolded:

Round 2: The former GLORY heavyweight champion continued to press forward in the second round. However, Usyk became increasingly accurate with his counter hooks and right uppercuts, using his footwork to stay mobile and avoid being trapped against the ropes for long. The kickboxing representative also employed tactics like grappling and leaning on Usyk, managing to land a few heavy shots of his own.

Round 3: The pace picked up in the third round. Both fighters landed several powerful hooks but showed no signs of being hurt. Verhoeven controlled the center of the ring for longer periods and was the more active of the two.

Round 4: Early in this round, the 2012 London Olympic champion rocked Verhoeven with a powerful left uppercut. The challenger maintained his composure and stayed on his feet, but another left uppercut sent his mouthguard flying. This caused a break in the action, giving the Dutchman a chance to recover and gather himself for the next three minutes.

Round 5: The Dutchman began switching his stance in this round. Usyk, in turn, increased his punch volume, landing some solid shots in the second half of the round.

Round 6: Verhoeven was missing a lot of his punches but remained the more active and persistent fighter. The kickboxer, undefeated for the last 12 years, was constantly moving around the ring, never staying static in front of Usyk, who struggled to find his target.

Round 7: With 80 seconds left in the round, Verhoeven landed a strong left hook that wobbled Usyk. The champion kept his balance but was caught with a straight right to the jaw in the final 30 seconds.

Round 8: Verhoeven returned to his strategy of wearing Usyk down with heavy pressure in the clinch. This clearly drained the energy and focus of the boxer nicknamed "The Cat." Usyk absorbed a powerful right hook to the chin and was shaken again. The Ukrainian tried to return the favor, but Verhoeven used the clinch brilliantly to neutralize Usyk's attacks.

Round 9: In the ninth round, Verhoeven was again the fighter landing more and harder punches. The 37-year-old athlete also displayed excellent conditioning, continuing his relentless movement around the ring, which significantly troubled Usyk.

Round 10: Usyk appeared increasingly tired and out of ideas, but he found a second wind in the final 20 seconds. The Ukrainian sensed he had hurt his opponent but couldn't secure the knockdown before the bell.

Round 11: The 2012 London Olympic champion came out attacking at the start of the championship rounds. The tide of the fight turned, and now Verhoeven looked the more fatigued of the two. In the final 30 seconds, Usyk scored the first knockdown of the fight. In his next assault, Usyk landed a long combination of hooks and uppercuts, prompting the referee to stop the contest.

Main Card

Hamzah Sheeraz def. Alem Begic via KO, Round 2
Jack Catterall def. Shakhram Giyasov via unanimous decision
Frank Sanchez def. Richard Torrez Jr. via KO, Round 2

Mizuki Hiruta def. Mai Soliman via unanimous decision
Benjamin Mendez Tani def. Daniel Lapin via TKO, Round 4

Preliminary Bouts

Jamar Talley Sultan def. Basem Mamdouh via KO, Round 2
Almohamed def. Deny Impart via KO - Round 1, 1:12
Mahmoud Mubarek def. Ali Serunkuma via unanimous decision (38-37, 40-35 x2)
Omar Hikal def. Michael Kalala via KO - Round 3, 0:55