VERHOEVEN'S APPEAL AGAINST USYK DEFEAT DISMISSED BY COMMISSION

Rico Verhoeven's appeal against his defeat by unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has been dismissed, a commission confirmed. The commission agreed that the referee stopped the fight after the bell for the end of round 11 had already sounded, but determined this did not affect the outcome of the bout. Verhoeven had called for a rematch and an apology from officials following the heavyweight world title fight in Egypt on 23 May.

Verhoeven, competing in just his second professional boxing fight, troubled Usyk throughout long periods of the contest. A late surge by Usyk sent the Dutchman to the canvas in the 11th round. Verhoeven beat the count, but a follow-up attack prompted the referee to stop the fight. The scorecards at the time of the stoppage read 95-95, 95-95 and 96-94 in Verhoeven's favour. The official timekeeper and ringside doctor both confirmed observations consistent with Verhoeven's account of the stopping sequence.

Verhoeven stated his protest was not intended to diminish Usyk's accomplishments as a two-weight undisputed champion. Verhoeven expressed that the fight should have proceeded to a 12th round given the competitive nature of the bout and the significance of the occasion. He emphasised that fans were denied the opportunity to see how the contest would have concluded naturally.