JOE ROGAN ALLEGES CORRUPTION IN USYK-VERHOEVEN BOXING BOUT

Joe Rogan has stated that boxing "corruption" or "incompetence" denied Dutch kickboxer Rico Verhoeven a major upset victory against former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan suggested that the deciding factor was referee Mark Lyson's stoppage of the fight in Round 11, which occurred as the bell sounded. Rogan stated that he believed corruption more likely than incompetence, attributing the outcome to financial interests in maintaining Usyk's status as a prominent heavyweight. Verhoeven has said the stoppage remains on his mind, having been on the verge of defeating a three-time undisputed champion.

The fight itself saw judges scoring the bout differently before the stoppage: two judges had it even at 95-95 after ten rounds, whilst a third scored it 96-94 in Verhoeven's favour. Verhoeven, a professional kickboxer, had competed in only one professional boxing bout prior to facing Usyk. The bout had been scheduled as a WBC heavyweight title defence. Following the controversy, Usyk relinquished his titles rather than face mandatory challengers in his division, upending his stated plan for 2026 to defend his belt twice before potentially pursuing a trilogy with Tyson Fury.

Rogan also suggested that alternative scoring methods should be considered in professional boxing to address broader concerns about judging in the sport. Verhoeven has publicly contested the stoppage decision on various platforms. The incident has generated discussion among commentators and observers regarding officiating standards in heavyweight title fights.