Rico Verhoeven demands Usyk rematch after commission rejects protest over controversial stoppage

In his statement, Verhoeven revealed that his team filed a formal protest on May 24 because they believed there were legitimate questions surrounding the referee’s handling of the finish.

“The ruling confirmed that the bell ending Round 11 had already sounded before the referee physically waved off the fight,” Verhoeven said. “The ringside doctor also confirmed that I showed no signs of confusion or disorientation after the bout.”

Despite those findings, the commission determined that the evidence did not warrant overturning the result, leaving Usyk’s 11th-round stoppage victory intact.

Rather than continuing a legal battle, Verhoeven is now focused on getting a second fight.

“For me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch,” Verhoeven stated.

The ending of the fight has remained a talking point since May. The bell sounded as Usyk was attacking late in Round 11, with referee Michael Griffin stepping in moments later to halt the contest. The unusual sequence led to debate over whether the round had officially ended before the stoppage was signaled.

Usyk retained the WBC heavyweight title with the victory, improving his record and extending his unbeaten run in professional boxing. The result was controversial enough that the official scorecards became a major part of the post-fight discussion, with one judge having Verhoeven ahead 96-94 and the other two scoring the bout even at 95-95 through 10 rounds.

A rematch is far from guaranteed. Mandatory challengers continue to line up, with Agit Kabayel among the leading contenders waiting for a title opportunity. However, Verhoeven’s latest statement makes it clear that he believes unfinished business remains between himself and Usyk.