Rico Verhoeven has formally declared his intention to appeal the dramatic stoppage that saw him fall to Oleksandr Usyk just seconds after the bell rang. The legendary kickboxing heavyweight, who had appeared to dominate the two-weight undisputed boxing champion, insists referee Mark Lyson erred by halting the contest as the final round expired.
Controversial Stoppage Under Scrutiny
With the final bell sounding in the 11th, Usyk landed a decisive right uppercut that sent Verhoeven to the canvas. Video replay suggests the punch—and the subsequent referee intervention—occurred after the bell, sparking uproar across combat sports forums. Under the unified rules, stopping a fight post-bell is technically permissible, but many pundits and fans contend the timing was egregious. Verhoeven’s camp is now demanding a no-contest ruling or a return to the judges’ scorecards, where they believe he led comfortably.
Potential Impact on Verhoeven’s Career Trajectory
This decision comes at a pivotal moment for Verhoeven, who has been linked with a move into MMA and even rumoured to eye a UFC debut. Fans on social media have speculated about a headline slot at UFC event next year. A successful appeal would bolster his crossover credentials and set up potential matchups against top UFC heavyweights like Ciryl Gane or Derrick Lewis.
Next Steps and Appeal Process
Speaking to Boxing News, Verhoeven criticised Lyson’s failure to acknowledge the error. “They stopped it after the bell. It makes no sense,” he said. He plans to file paperwork with the governing commission this week, presenting frame-by-frame footage. Should the appeal succeed, Usyk’s win could be overturned, and Verhoeven restored in the record books. The process typically involves a hearing before a panel of referees, judges, and commission officials—a drama that could extend into the summer.
If the appeal falls short, speculation will only grow over Verhoeven’s next move: whether he rematches Usyk, pursues a crossover bout in boxing, or finally transitions to MMA’s biggest stage.
FAQ
When and where will Rico Verhoeven’s appeal hearing take place?
The appeal will be submitted to the state athletic commission within the next week, with a hearing expected later this month, likely in Las Vegas.
What are the possible outcomes of the appeal?
If successful, the bout could be ruled a no-contest or go to the judges’ scorecards, potentially reversing Usyk’s victory. If denied, the original result will stand.
Could Verhoeven still fight in UFC?
While no official UFC offer has been made, his management is in talks about a high-profile MMA debut,
Will there be a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk?
Should the appeal fail, a rematch remains on the table, especially given public demand and rival Turki Alalshikh’s interest in seeing the pair settle the controversy in the ring.