Verhoeven Demands Apology and Rematch After Controversial Bout

Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven seeks an apology and rematch after a controversial stoppage one second before the penultimate round in a WBC title bout with Oleksandr Usyk. Two judges had the fight tied, with one favoring Verhoeven. An appeal has been lodged, and a rematch is hoped for.

Dutch former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven seeks both an apology and a rematch following a contentious stoppage just one second before the penultimate round in his WBC title bout against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk last weekend.

The decision, made at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, stirred controversy as Verhoeven claims he could have continued the fight. Replays also suggest the referee's signal came after the bell rang.

The Ring magazine's scorecards indicated a tie for two judges, with the third showing Verhoeven ahead. Verhoeven expressed to the BBC that simply receiving acknowledgment of the error would be satisfactory, and his team has filed an appeal with the WBC, eyeing a rematch pending other bouts.