‘King of the Nile’ Oleksandr Usyk Earns a Controversial Stoppage Victory Over Rico Verhoeven at The Pyramids of Giza

Oleksandr Usyk rescues himself from deep waters to produce a knockout victory over Rico Verhoeven at the historic setting in Egypt.

‘King of the Nile’ Oleksandr Usyk Earns a Controversial Stoppage Victory Over Rico Verhoeven at The Pyramids of Giza

Oleksandr Usyk defeats Rico Verhoeven (via Instagram)

In Short
  • Oleksandr Usyk secured a controversial knockout victory over Rico Verhoeven in the 11th round at the Pyramids of Giza.
  • Verhoeven initially controlled the fight, pushing Usyk into uncomfortable exchanges before the late stoppage.
  • Usyk expressed gratitude for his family's support amid ongoing challenges in Ukraine during his post-fight interview.

Oleksandr Usyk was expected to dominate at the Pyramids of Giza in this heavyweight spectacle. However, GLORY Kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven disrupted those plans with relentless pressure and strength. Verhoeven forced a different side of the heavyweight champion, pushing Usyk into uncomfortable exchanges. However, ‘The Cat’ recovered late and secured a knockout in the 11th round.

Verhoeven surprised many in the first three rounds by standing toe to toe with Usyk, using forward pressure and a stiff jab to push the Ukrainian native back and land cleaner shots. The champion struggled early to settle against the pace. In the fourth round, Usyk adjusted with better movement and sharper counters, slipping entries and punishing Verhoeven’s overcommitments to regain control.

From rounds five through eight, Verhoeven largely controlled the pace after Usyk’s brief fourth-round success. He kept forward pressure, stayed in mid-range exchanges, and limited Usyk’s movement. Verhoeven used strength and activity to hold the ring position. Usyk had brief success but could not sustain control. However, these rounds leaned toward ‘The King Of Kickboxing’ in most exchanges.

The stoppage came late in the 11th round after Usyk landed an uppercut that dropped the challenger. Verhoeven got back to his feet but was immediately under pressure again. Referee Mark Lyson stopped the contest at 2:59 of round 11. The timing, just before the bell, sparked debate due to Verhoeven’s brief recovery. Usyk was declared the winner by late stoppage via uppercut and follow-up punches.

In the post-fight interview, Usyk spoke about the problems faced by people in Ukraine, his family and his 2-year-old daughter. Usyk said these circumstances continue to shape his motivation in boxing. He also commended Rico Verhoeven for his performance and respect in the contest, while the Dutch superstar has previously spoken about world peace during the Israel–Palestine conflict.

Thank you so much. I know my people are sitting under bombs, and my daughter is sitting in a bomb shelter. She texted me: ‘Dad, congratulations, but I’m scared.’ Rico, thank you, you’re an amazing fighter. My team, thank you, you are the best. The fight was tough; Rico prepared very well. Did I know before Round 11 that I needed a knockout? I just box. Thank you, Lord.

Oleksandr Usyk via in-ring interview with Ade Oladipo

Oleksandr Usyk had originally planned to take on knockout artist Deontay Wilder following this fight. However, that route now looks unlikely after WBC interim heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel entered the ring and signaled his readiness to face Usyk next.

However, Saudi executive Turki Alalshikh also suggested that Rico Verhoeven is in line for a rematch after his performance in Egypt. The final decision rests with the 39-year-old Ukrainian, who now has a lot to think about with multiple high-profile options after an eventful night at the Pyramids of Giza.

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Oleksandr Usyk reveals what inspires him to keep fighting at 39 years of age

Oleksandr Usyk was born in Simferopol, Crimea, where he grew up in a modest, working-class family, with disciplined values that shaped his childhood. He initially played football before turning to boxing at age fifteen after discovering greater success in combat sports. His early training followed structured Ukrainian boxing systems that emphasized technical skill, movement, and endurance development.

Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk (via BBC)

Usyk is one of the only elite champions in boxing to maintain an undefeated record. Even at thirty-nine, the Ukrainian star has shown no signs of slowing down in elite competition. Usyk recently spoke to ESPN reporter Andreas Hale about what pushed him to take on a dangerous opponent like Rico Verhoeven. The discussion of the fight also highlighted the historic setting of the Pyramids of Giza as a unique venue.

For the first time, I am doing what I really want to do. Not what I must do and not what people expect from me. This event will be something special. A big event in a beautiful place. This is history. I fight because I want to fight, and I will stop when I want to stop. Listen, I am honest with myself. I understand the body has limits, and every athlete has a limited time in their sport. But, for now, I know what I can do, and I know what I want. And this is exactly what I want to do.

Oleksandr Usyk via ESPN

Oleksandr Usyk is among the highest-paid athletes in boxing, with career earnings exceeding $100 million in peak years. His rematch against Daniel Dubois in July 2025 reportedly earned him about $132 million, one of boxing’s largest payouts. These earnings underline his dominance both in and out of the ring. His financial success reflects sustained elite performance across multiple championship-level fights.

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