The Ukrainian star extends his record to 25-0.
Beneath the shadow of the ancient pyramids and in front of one of the most breathtaking backdrops boxing has ever witnessed, Oleksandr Usyk put his WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight world titles on the line against kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven.
The atmosphere was electric as the undefeated Ukrainian champion made his ring walk to deafening chants from the crowd.
But Verhoeven had clearly not come to Egypt just to make up the numbers.
Usyk started cautiously while Verhoeven immediately looked to stamp his authority on the contest.
The Dutchman buried a huge right hand into the body that drew a roar from the crowd and instantly caught the champion’s attention.
Usyk responded with a sharp right hand of his own, but Rico’s pressure already looked like a serious problem for ‘The Cat’.
Verhoeven continued targeting the body with straight lefts to Usyk’s ribs before exploding with a flurry that forced the unified heavyweight king back onto the ropes.
Fans expected Usyk to control the fight early, but instead it was the kickboxing legend bullying the champion in close and dictating the exchanges.
Rico’s relentless pressure left Usyk struggling to find space, with the Ukrainian unable to settle into his usual rhythm.
But elite fighters only need one opening. Usyk finally found his moment, cracking Verhoeven with a powerful shot that reminded everybody exactly why he sits on top of the heavyweight division.
The crowd were stunned once again as Verhoeven knocked Usyk off balance.
Usyk responded brilliantly, firing back with a slick combination upstairs, but the Dutchman stood his ground far better than most expected.
Then came the champion’s best spell of the fight. Usyk rocked Verhoeven with a huge left hook before smashing a brutal right hand into the body.
Sensing momentum shift, the Ukrainian unloaded with two massive uppercuts that narrowly missed the target.
Yet just when it looked like Rico was fading, he rallied late and landed before the bell to cap another dramatic session.
Verhoeven continued taking every chance he could, but for the first time in the fight Usyk began marching forward consistently.
The champion’s experience started to show as he controlled the tempo better and slowly forced Rico backwards.
Many believed this was the stage where Verhoeven would finally crumble — but instead both men continued serving up an absolute war.
Rico ended one fierce exchange by pumping home several clean jabs to arguably edge yet another round, with ringside opinion appearing to favour the Dutchman.
The fight then exploded into a full heavyweight shootout. Usyk and Verhoeven stood toe-to-toe exchanging heavy shots in the middle of the ring, neither man willing to back down.
The kickboxing icon was proving an incredibly difficult puzzle for the pound-for-pound great to solve.
Verhoeven unleashed a brutal barrage that forced the referee to briefly separate the pair as tensions threatened to spill over.
Usyk continued pushing forward though, desperately trying to create openings. A clean left hand snapped Rico’s head back, but the Dutchman barely reacted.
Once again the champion was forced onto the ropes as Verhoeven’s movement and pressure continued causing huge problems.
So uncomfortable was Usyk that he even switched southpaw searching for answers.
Still Verhoeven refused to slow down.
Usyk lacked his trademark sharp movement while Rico looked increasingly comfortable, repeatedly digging shots into the body and forcing the champion into awkward exchanges.
Verhoeven then found another gear, unloading a furious barrage on the tiring champion and threatening a massive upset.
Usyk rallied late, but Rico’s confidence was now impossible to ignore.
Then came the dramatic moment that changed everything.
Verhoeven clipped Usyk clean on the chin, stunning the champion and sending a wave of noise through the arena.
But the very best fighters respond when the pressure is highest.
Usyk fired back instantly and one devastating uppercut landed flush and sent Verhoeven crashing to the canvas.
The fight was stopped moments later, saving the Dutchman from further punishment.
And after one of the most unexpected wars of his career beneath the pyramids, Oleksandr Usyk retained his heavyweight titles in dramatic fashion.
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