Ukrainian undefeated world heavyweight champion, Aleksandr Usyk, knocked out Dutchman Rick Verhoeven with one second remaining in the 11th round of their WBC title fight in Giza.
With a right uppercut at the end of the 11th round, 39-year-old Usyk managed to "get away" and prevent the biggest sensation in boxing history, as the Dutch kickboxer dominated the first 10 rounds.
The 'Glory at Giza' fight at the Egyptian pyramids was deemed unworthy, as Verhoeven's only previous professional boxing fight was 12 years ago.
But, the 37-year-old kickboxing champion, Verhoeven knew from the start what he wanted in the fight with Usyk, who was heavier than ever before and looked slow by his standards, but also, for the first time, out of breath at the end of the rounds.
The Ukrainian entered the penultimate round forced to draw something from his incredible experience and repertoire, and was helped by Rico, recklessly moving forward with a points advantage.
Usik did a great job with a wide left hook from Riko, managing to "suck through" a terrifying right hook. After the count, Usik moved violently and the referee interrupted with the sound of the gong.
"I thought it was an early stoppage, but in the end it wasn't up to me. The referee knew we were at the end of the round so let it go, let the bell ring. "But you know... I was already very grateful for the opportunity," he added, asking for a rematch.
Verhoeven was fighting only for the WBC belt, while Usyk risked losing his WBA and IBF belts, which would be declared vacant in the event of a defeat. Thus, the Ukrainian has won all 25 fights, and is undefeated in Olympic boxing since 2013.
"The fight was tough. It was a good fight. I was just boxing and my right uppercut, boom! Boom, boom, boom! Thank you, God! Thank you too Rio, you were unbelievably good," Usyk said.
A Verhoeven victory would be the biggest shock, even bigger than Mike Tyson's 1990 defeat by James "Buster" Douglas.
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