Usyk-Verhoeven ref tells commission he had grounds to stop fight

The referee who stopped Oleksandr Usyk's controversial bout against Rico Verhoeven told a boxing commission he had sufficient grounds to end the fight in the 11th round before the bell sounded.

The official, speaking to commission members according to BBC Sport, said he had seen enough during the round to wave off the contest. Verhoeven's corner and camp protested the stoppage immediately after the fight, arguing the round had not yet concluded when the referee stepped in.

Verhoeven appeal dismissed after commission review

Verhoeven confirmed earlier this week that his formal appeal against the loss was dismissed. The kickboxing legend, who made his professional boxing debut against the former undisputed heavyweight champion, described the result as unjust but said the commission stood by the referee's judgment.

The bout drew attention in part because of its unusual genesis — Verhoeven, a Glory kickboxing champion, was connected to Usyk through actor Jason Statham. Usyk stopped Verhoeven in what became one of the most debated finishes in recent boxing.

Verhoeven has not announced whether he will pursue another boxing match or return to kickboxing full-time.

Source: bbc.co.uk