Boxing fans have claimed that Oleksandr Usyk's fight with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven was rigged after the Ukrainian's controversial win. To the surprise of many watching, Usyk struggled against Verhoeven, with numerous observers believing the Dutchman was ahead on rounds prior to an 11th-round stoppage.
There was just one second remaining in the penultimate frame when British referee Mark Lyson waved the fight off, with Usyk finally coming back into the contest. Usyk knocked Verhoeven down earlier in the round and was raining down punches when the referee intervened. However, Verhoeven immediately showed his surprise and would have had the opportunity to regather himself between rounds.
“I thought it was an early stoppage… the referee knows we’re almost at the end of the round,” Verhoeven said after the fight. “Let me go out on my shield, or let the bell go. But it’s not up to me.”
YouTube sensation Jake Paul, who suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of Anthony Joshua in his last outing, said: “I mean that’s the most insane s*** I’ve ever seen. Rico winning every round and the moment the ref sees to end it then he ends it, are you kidding. I’m the biggest Usyk fan but bro you lost that s***. Shoutout to Rico for beating his ass every round and getting jipped. Damnnnnnn.”
Boxing fans shared the sentiment. “Bulls*** stoppage, boxing is fixed,” one wrote. Another added: “The biggest disgrace and robbery ever. What the f***. The bell went. Absolutely disgraceful.” A third said: “Filthy rigged sport.”
Leaked scorecards showed Verhoeven was narrowly ahead, with one judge scoring the fight 96-94 in his favour at the time of the stoppage, while the other two cards were level. However, some were surprised at the closeness of the verdicts, with DAZN analyst Mike Coppinger having Verhoeven 98-92 in front.
“Imagine taking boxing seriously in 2026. How anyone is a fan of this sport anymore is beyond comprehension,” another fan added. While a fifth said: “Ridiculous scorecard. Rico was miles ahead.”
