Usyk survives scare, stops Verhoeven in round 11

Three-time undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) survived scare against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven (1-1) and stopped him in round eleven in the fight that was held in front of Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on Saturday night.

Going into round eleven two judges saw the fight even and one saw Verhoeven in front.

In final seconds of round eleven Usyk dropped Verhoeven with uppercut. Dutchman got up and Usyk continued then attack with a series of punches and referee Mark Lyson stopped the fight 2:59 in round eleven.

Many saw the stoppage as too early.

"The fight was hard," said Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs). "But I just boxed. It was my right uppercut. Bam!"

Usyk landed 112 of 499 punches (22%) to Verhoeven's 113 of 508 punches (22%), but it was the final blitz from Usyk that saved him from a shocking defeat.

The ending was immediately protested by Verhoeven's corner, and the kickboxer also disagreed with the outcome but was respectful of the decision.

 "I thought it was an early stoppage, but in the end, it's not up to me," Verhoeven said. "I believe the referee knows that we're almost at the end of the round. [He could have] let me go out on my shield or let the bell go. That's what I thought. But like I said, it's not up to me, and I was already super thankful for the opportunity."

Verhoeven in video posted said he will consider an appeal.

Usyk was presented two options for his next fight: a rematch with Verhoeven or a heavyweight showdown with Agit Kabayel. As always, Usyk didn't shy away from either opponent.

 "Not a problem," Usyk said. "Let's do it."

In the same event Hamzah Sheeraz (23-0-1) stopped Alem Begic (29-1-1) in round two and claimed WBO World super-middleweight title.

Frank Sanchez (26-1) shocked Richard Torrez Jr (14-1) with one punch KO in round two.

Jack Catterall (33-2) won the vacant WBA World welterweight title, beating Shakhram Giyasov (17-1) via unanimous decision.