Matchroom/Dazm
Fans believe Rico Verhoeven got screwed by the ref in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
On Saturday, Usyk found himself in danger after many believed Verhoeven was dominating the fight going into the 11th round.
🤯 USYK IS LOSING THIS FIGHT 7-1 ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT JUDGE.
We’ll see what the real judges have it in the end. pic.twitter.com/KaMWHPLoG6
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 23, 2026
In the 11th round, Usyk dropped Verhoeven late in the round. With one second left in the fight, the ref stopped the fight with one second left in the 11th round when Usyk began to land a barrage on Verhoeven.
— Combat Casuals (@Clips4Casuals) May 23, 2026
Another replay showed that the ref stopped the fight after the bell.
Another angle of the Usyk vs Rico stoppage
The stoppage came after the bell 🤦♂️ #UsykRico pic.twitter.com/N4AhcsTlEm
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 23, 2026
Verhoeven says that he believed that the ref stopped the fight early.
“I thought it was an early stoppage… the referee knows we’re almost at the end of the round. Let me go out on my shield, or let the bell go. But it’s not up to me.”
Fans blasted the stoppage.
Worst stoppage in boxing history
This is why no one will ever respect this sport pic.twitter.com/mefYYEQUxq
— Casual MMA (@CasualMMAinc) May 23, 2026
Worst stoppage I’ve ever seen, it’s rigged to the core , Usyk was getting beat easily https://t.co/CRftT9IS8n
— LP (@_LiamSP) May 23, 2026