After His Knockout Victory, Usyk Thanks Ukrainians — Here’s What He Says About Verhoeven’s Protest.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Victory

According to Novyny.live: On May 24 in Giza, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven and thanked his Ukrainian supporters for standing by him. The heavyweight champion, who continues to hold the WBC, WBA, and IBF world titles, secured the win by technical knockout just one second before the end of the 11th round.

In his post-fight remarks, Usyk expressed gratitude to his fans, stating:

‘Once again, I want to thank the Ukrainian people for their support. I see all your messages, all your encouragement, your inspiration, and your fight.’

Post-Fight Controversy

Despite the victory, the bout sparked debate. Verhoeven’s team filed an official protest over the referee’s early stoppage, which could lead to further review of the decision. When asked about potential criticism, Usyk responded:

‘Only a dead person wouldn’t say that Akela missed his mark. Akela still holds his stone — everything is fine. There’s a victory, and that’s what matters most. Sometimes it’s not as pretty as someone might wish, but it’s there.’

Usyk’s win over Verhoeven reinforces his standing as a top heavyweight boxer and showcases his ability to handle pressure both inside and outside the ring. The controversy surrounding the referee’s call may affect future plans for both fighters, but Usyk has already proven he can adapt to criticism while maintaining a positive outlook. This resilience is key not only for his career but also for keeping his fans engaged — supporters who remain his main pillar in professional sports.