Earlier tonight, at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt, Oleksandr Usyk defended his WBC heavyweight title against kickboxing phenom Rico Verhoeven in the headliner.
This was Verhoeven’s second boxing outing to date and the long-time GLORY heavyweight champion despite having far less boxing experience, won the majority of the first 11 rounds.
In the 11th stanza, after being knocked down, Verhoeven beat the count, but Usyk smelled blood and went all out to score the TKO win, which even the commentators and Verhoeven’s corner labelled as an earlystopage.
Had Usyk not secured the knockout and Verhoeven survived the round, the Ukrainian champion would likely have needed a finish in the final stanza to retain his titles. Verhoeven came incredibly close to pulling off the upset, and Usyk has already agreed to a rematch.
Oleksandr Usyk beats Rico Verhoevenin Round 11 by TKO, retains his Ring and WBC heavyweight titles.
OLEKSANDR USYK RETAINS HIS RING AND HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLES AFTER A THRILLING 11TH ROUND FINISH 😤Glory in Giza | May 23rd | LIVE on DAZN 🥊pic.twitter.com/j4yMRPSjTD
USYK WINS ‼️Oleksandr Usyk retains his Ring and WBC heavyweight titles, stopping a valiant Rico Verhoeven in round 11 💥Presented [email protected] in Giza | May 23rd | LIVE on DAZN 🥊pic.twitter.com/QHVtuNGhN5
Hamzah Sheeraz defeated Alem Begicvia Round 2 KOto become the WBO super middleweight world champion.
Hamzah Sheeraz is the UK's newest world champion 🇬🇧👑Glory in Giza | May 23rd | LIVE on DAZN 🥊pic.twitter.com/bZjZ9T4Tqn
😬💥 HAMZAH SHEERAZ LANDS A BRUTAL BODYSHOT AND GETS THE FINISH IN THE SECOND ROUND!👀 Usyk vs. Verhoeven is up next.pic.twitter.com/XqGqQilVyt
Source: LowKickMMA.com
