In a thrilling encounter on May 23, 2026, Oleksandr Usyk faced off against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt for the WBC heavyweight title. The match was intense, with both fighters showcasing their skills, but it was Usyk who ultimately emerged victorious. He secured the win with a stoppage just one second before the end of the penultimate round, a moment that left fans and commentators in shock.

The fight was closely contested, with Verhoeven pushing Usyk to his limits. Despite the late stoppage, the bout was marked by competitive exchanges and strategic maneuvers from both sides. Usyk's victory not only preserved his unbeaten record but also highlighted his resilience as a two-weight undisputed champion. Usyk stopped Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with one second left in the penultimate round of a World Boxing Council (WBC) title fight.

Following the fight, Rico Verhoeven expressed his disappointment and frustration regarding the stoppage. He has since called for a rematch, stating that he feels he was unfairly stopped and is seeking an apology from the referee. Verhoeven's team lodged a formal protest against the result, emphasizing that the fight was competitive up until the final moments.

In the wake of the match, the WBC has mandated Usyk to defend his title against Agit Kabayel next. This decision adds another layer of complexity to Usyk's career, as he must navigate the expectations of both his fans and the boxing authorities. The WBC sanctioned Usyk's voluntary defence of his belt against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23, but ordered the Ukrainian to face mandatory challenger Kabayel in his next fight.

As Usyk prepares for his next fight, the boxing community is abuzz with speculation about his future. The potential rematch with Verhoeven could provide an opportunity for both fighters to settle the score, especially given the controversial nature of their first encounter. Meanwhile, Usyk's status as a champion remains secure, but he faces the risk of being stripped of titles if he does not comply with WBC mandates.

Verhoeven's call for an apology and a rematch reflects the competitive spirit and the high stakes involved in professional boxing. The outcome of Usyk's next fight against Kabayel will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his career and the potential for future high-profile bouts. Rico Verhoeven, the Dutch former kickboxer who has switched to boxing, wants an apology as well as a rematch, after being stopped one second before the end of the penultimate round in a WBC title bout with unified world heavyweight champion.