Usyk claims victory while family faces danger in Ukraine
Oleksandr Usyk revealed he received a heartbreaking message from his daughter sheltering in Ukraine moments before his dramatic victory over Rico Verhoeven in Egypt, reports BritPanorama.
The undefeated heavyweight champion defended his WBC title under extraordinary circumstances on Saturday night, stopping Verhoeven in the 11th round near the Pyramids. Despite the victory, Usyk’s mind was with his family as Russia launched fresh attacks on Kyiv, casting a shadow over his achievement.
Before entering the ring, Usyk disclosed that he received a message from his daughter, who wrote, “‘Papa, I love you, you win. I’m afraid.'” This emotional admission came after a devastating night in Ukraine, where authorities confirmed that at least four people had been killed following significant Russian strikes on the capital.
Many had expected Usyk to have a comfortable fight against the Dutch kickboxing legend Verhoeven, who had only one previous professional boxing appearance. However, Verhoeven’s performance pushed Usyk to the brink, repeatedly troubling the champion with pressure and heavy shots, at times visibly hurting him during the contest.
At the time of the stoppage, the fight was hanging in the balance with two judges scoring it level at 95-95, while a third had it 96-94 in favour of Verhoeven going into the final round. Usyk ultimately turned the tide late in the fight, dropping Verhoeven with a powerful left hand before referee Mark Lycett stepped in to halt the contest moments later.
The stoppage sparked fierce debate across the boxing world, with many believing it came too early, particularly as the bell seemed to sound shortly before the referee intervened. Verhoeven has since lodged an official protest, arguing he should have been given the chance to continue the fight.
Despite the controversy, Usyk showed resilience, which has become a hallmark of his career, remaining unbeaten even as he faced one of the most challenging bouts of his journey. After the fight, Usyk acknowledged the emotional and physical toll it had taken on him, stating, “This fight was hard. It was a good fight.”
The ordeal serves as a stark reminder of how personal lives can be intertwined with public careers, particularly for those in conflict zones. In moments of triumph, echoes of tragedy resonate, reminding us all that behind every victory lies a deeper story.
