In a statement released Tuesday, Verhoeven revealed details of the ruling and the protest his team filed following the May 23 heavyweight title fight at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt.
“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.”
The commission nevertheless determined that those findings did not change the official outcome, leaving Usyk’s 11th-round stoppage victory intact.
Verhoeven also renewed his call for a second fight with the Ukrainian champion.
“For me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch,” Verhoeven stated.
The stoppage became one of boxing’s most debated moments of the year after the bell sounded as Usyk was attacking late in the 11th round before the referee stepped in moments later to halt the contest.
Usyk retained the WBC heavyweight title with the victory. At the time of the stoppage, the official scorecards read 96-94 for Verhoeven and 95-95 twice, showing how close the fight remained entering the closing stages.
A rematch is not guaranteed, however. Usyk could instead be directed toward WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel, who remains in line for a title shot.
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