‘I just didn’t want you to be bored’: Oleksandr Usyk reacts to Rico Verhoeven fight and performance

Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight boxing titles with a controversial TKO stoppage victory over kickboxer Rico Verhoeven with two seconds remaining in the 11th round at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt on May 23, 2026. Usyk downplayed the tension of the fight in his post-bout reaction, joking that he 'just didn't want you to be bored.' The bout, billed as 'Glory in Giza,' saw the Ukrainian champion defeat the Dutch kickboxing star in what was described as a dramatic and controversial finish.