Rico Verhoeven appeal against Usyk loss dismissed

Kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven says his appeal against his May defeat to unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has been rejected.

Verhoeven, a six-time Glory heavyweight kickboxing champion, lost to Usyk in a crossover boxing exhibition last month. The Dutchman filed a protest over the scoring, according to BBC Sport.

Verhoeven's crossover bout with Usyk

The contest marked Verhoeven's first professional boxing match against the two-time undisputed champion. Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles, took the fight in what was described as an exhibition between the two champions from different combat sports.

Verhoeven had previously spoken about the bout's controversial nature. The appeal's dismissal leaves the original result standing with no further review expected.

No timeline has been announced for when Verhoeven might return to competition in either discipline.

Source: bbc.co.uk