Oleksandr Usyk retained his WBC heavyweight title after producing a dramatic late stoppage victory over kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven in a spectacular fight staged at the foot of the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

What many expected to be another controlled masterclass from the Ukrainian champion turned into one of the toughest nights of Usyk’s professional career. Despite this being only the second professional boxing match for Verhoeven, the Dutch powerhouse caused serious problems with his size, physicality and relentless pressure.

Pre-fight predictions from many analysts suggested that Usyk would gradually take control after the middle rounds thanks to his superior boxing IQ and conditioning. Instead, the fight unfolded in shocking fashion. By the end of the tenth round, the reigning champion had convincingly won only the fourth round on most unofficial scorecards, while live betting odds increasingly shifted in favour of Rico Verhoeven.

The turning point finally arrived less than a minute before the end of the penultimate round. After absorbing several heavy shots, Usyk found the opening that changed everything. The Ukrainian landed a perfectly timed uppercut, immediately followed by a devastating right hook that sent Verhoeven crashing to the canvas.

The Dutchman, widely known as the “King of Kickboxing”, managed to beat the count and rise to his feet, but the momentum had completely shifted. Smelling the finish, Oleksandr Usyk launched another aggressive combination moments later, forcing the referee to stop the contest and award the Ukrainian a dramatic technical knockout victory in the 11th round.