Oleksandr Usyk makes tragic admission after controversial victory over Rico Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk beat Rico Verhoeven in controversial fashion during tonight’s ‘Glory in Giza’ heavyweight title fight, then made a tragic admission following the clash.

Usyk, whose record now stands at 25-0 with 16 knockouts, beat professional kickboxer and boxer Verhoeven via a highly controversial stoppage in Round 11.

The Ukrainian initially dropped Verhoeven in the round with a thundering uppercut, sending his opponent tumbling to the canvas, but failed to keep him down.

After beating the ten-count, Verhoeven was swarmed by a barrage of Usyk punches, before the referee declared the Ukrainian as victor by intervening.

Described by fans online as one of the worst stoppages in modern boxing history, Usyk prevailed with just one second of Round 11 remaining.

Verhoeven, primarily a kickboxer by trade, delivered a crushing performance against the heavyweight champion, with many analysts deeming him ahead on points throughout.

The Ukrainian, who looked to be in unusually lethargic form all evening, entered Round 11 with the impending decision seemingly in Verhoeven’s favour, leading to the controversial stoppage.

Usyk makes tragic admission after Verhoeven clash

Speaking to DAZN, Usyk praised both God and Verhoeven, acknowledging the fight’s difficulty and its quality.

The undefeated heavyweight champion, who will decide whether to next fight either Agit Kabayel or Verhoeven in a rematch, then made a heartbreaking admission.

“Right now, in Ukraine, my people and my country - there is bombing. My people are sitting in bomb shelters. My family,” revealed Usyk.

"My daughter sent me a message: ‘Papa, I love you, I’m afraid.’ I said, ‘oh my God,’” he continued.

The 39-year-old has been vocal in his support of Ukraine, and recently visited the country’s energy workers ahead of his title bout in Cairo.

Usyk expressed his admiration for the workers, confessing that he spends months preparing for a fight, while they fight “real darkness” every day.

The country’s energy infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted throughout the Ukraine-Russia war, and the 39-year-old called for support of his nation’s workers.

Usyk famously dedicated his victory against Anthony Joshua in 2022 to Ukraine, stating: "This is for my country, my people, and my army," in the aftermath of his heavyweight bout.

The fighter also lived on the Ukraine frontline following the war's initial outbreak, describing the horrors he saw to the Daily Mail in 2023.

"I lived with the troops. I was there for them. Through binoculars from 900 metres I saw my enemies running, tanks exploding, houses broken," said the 39-year-old.

"I saw people with no arms or legs. I saw those who could still walk looking like the walking dead. "Everything, everywhere, dead. I went by car around a city. A dead city. Zero energy.

"We went past a kids' playground. The toys are lying in that place but no children playing. It was dead," he continued.

Fans of Usyk may have questions regarding his decreased performance this evening, and the conversation surrounding his victory will likely remain entrenched in controversy, but his tragic post-fight admission serves as a reminder that there are far more important things than boxing.