The heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven in Giza ended in controversy, and now Eddie Hearn has added his voice to the growing debate over the finish.
Usyk was defending his WBC heavyweight title in a high-profile showdown that had drawn global attention. Verhoeven, stepping into one of the biggest boxing stages of his career, pushed the champion deeper than many expected before the fight ended in disputed fashion.
Hearn praises Verhoeven despite defeat
From ringside, Eddie Hearn came away impressed with what he saw from Verhoeven, who many believed entered the fight as a heavy underdog. He wrote on Instagram:
“I thought Rico Verhoeven was incredible, I gave him hardly any chance in this fight.”
“His concentration, belief and IQ are unbelievable for basically a debutant.”
Hearn also credited Verhoeven’s team for the tactical approach that kept him competitive against one of boxing’s most elite operators.
“Shout out to Peter Fury for the game plan! Usyk struggled with the rhythm but stayed with it and somehow found a way when the greatest upset in the history of boxing was looming.”
Hearn believes fight should have continued
The fight turned late in the contest after Usyk landed a decisive shot that sent Verhoeven down. What followed sparked immediate controversy.
The referee stopped the bout after the final bell, despite Verhoeven appearing to recover and showing signs of awareness. Hearn had
“I had Rico a couple of rounds up going into the 11th.”
“Usyk did what champions do but for me the stoppage was early.”
He pointed to the timing of the call as the key issue in the aftermath.
“The bell had basically gone and Rico was defending and knew exactly where he was.”
While acknowledging Usyk’s ability to finish fights when it matters most, Hearn felt Verhoeven deserved the chance to see the final moments unfold properly.
“I do think Usyk would have got a clearer stoppage in the 12th or edged out a decision but us and Rico definitely deserved the chance to let it unfold.”
Verhoeven’s camp set to appeal
The controversy has already sparked talk of a possible appeal from Verhoeven’s camp. Some within the combat sports community believe the knockdown sequence and timing of the stoppage require review.
Usyk, meanwhile, briefly turned attention toward a potential matchup with Agit Kabayel. That direction now appears uncertain as calls for clarity and even a rematch continue to build. Turki Alalshikh has reportedly pushed for Usyk vs Verhoeven II, with the Netherlands mentioned as a possible host.