Rico Verhoeven has called for a rematch with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk following the controversial ending to their fight in Egypt on Saturday.
The Dutch fighter pushed Usyk close during the bout and looked capable of producing one of boxing’s greatest upsets before being dropped in the 11th round.
However, the contest was stopped during a late barrage from Usyk, with replays appearing to show that the bell for the end of the round may already have sounded.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Verhoeven said he mainly wants an apology from officials.
“Mistakes can happen because we’re all human,” he said. “But I would like them to admit this could have gone differently.”
Appeal Lodged With The WBC
Verhoeven revealed that his team submitted an official appeal to the WBC the morning after the fight.
The 37-year-old argued the stoppage denied both fighters a fair finish to the contest.
“He didn’t only take it away from me, he took it away from Usyk too,” Verhoeven explained. “If Usyk had knocked me out in the final round, there would have been no debate.”
Trainer Peter Fury later claimed referee Mark Lyson admitted he did not hear the bell at the end of the 11th round.
Verhoeven also said he only heard the warning clapper and was preparing to survive the closing seconds before the referee stepped in.
Kickboxing Legend Shocked The Boxing World
Verhoeven entered the fight with only one previous professional boxing bout despite dominating kickboxing for more than 4,000 days as world champion.
Meanwhile, Usyk remains unbeaten in 25 professional fights and is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation after becoming undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Despite the defeat, Verhoeven believes he proved he belongs among elite heavyweight boxers.
“I feel like we cracked the guy people thought was invincible,” he said.
Rematch Uncertain As Other Challenges Loom
A rematch may not happen immediately, with Germany’s Agit Kabayel currently the mandatory WBC challenger for Usyk’s heavyweight title.
Still, Verhoeven says he is open to other major fights if the second Usyk bout cannot be arranged.
One possible option is former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who impressed during his boxing debut against Tyson Fury before later losing to Anthony Joshua.
“Whatever comes next has to be big,” Verhoeven said. “I feel like I’m the uncrowned king.”
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