The Usyk vs Rico referee was absolutely wrong on all counts to stop the fight when he did in a shocking decision.
The fight itself definitely was an eye opener.
Usyk was much worse than even we said he’s be, his deterioration is coming rapidly on now in live time.
So much so he was getting tagged by simple straight lefts, short left hooks without feints and traps being shown, thrown as a single shots often not as part of combinations.
He also got tagged by many solid jabs from Rico, who adopted a more conventional boxing stance with his chin tucked in and came forward at Usyk all night who was on the back foot.
Here’s why the Usyk vs Rico referee should not have stopped the fight:
- The fight was very close, with Verhoeven leading on at least one judge’s scorecard after 10 rounds.
- Stoppage came with roughly 1 second left in round 11 — the bell had essentially rung.
- Verhoeven beat the count, was on his feet, and was still moving and defending.
- The ref had given extra time earlier in the round for Verhoeven’s mouthpiece, then stopped suddenly.
- Verhoeven showed tremendous heart in only his second pro boxing fight against the undisputed champion.
- No immediate sign of serious injury or inability to continue at the moment of the stoppage.
- Multiple angles showed the stoppage happened after the bell, creating huge controversy.
- Denied Verhoeven a chance to finish on his shield or take it to the scorecards.
- Usyk was rallying but the fight had been competitive throughout — a 12th round was deserved.
- The abrupt ending sparked major debate and hurt the credibility of the result.
Some notes on the Usyk vs Rico referee for those new to the sport as well:
Referee Mark Lyson
- British referee from Anfield, Liverpool, England.
- Highly experienced pro referee active since 2009 with over 1,100 bouts officiated.
- Has worked major UK events including Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium.
- Known for a widely praised stoppage in a Terri Harper fight that protected her health.
- Serves as both referee and judge in international and world title level fights.
- Had another controversial stoppage earlier in 2026 in a heavyweight fight.
- Claims Muhammad Ali as his all-time sporting hero.
- Trains and coaches at amateur level while continuing to referee professionally.
At the end of the day Rico was on his feet and coherent when he stepped into to stop it.
If he had survived the end of the round he could have got a last wind and a chance to win on points.
And shock the world.
Bad stoppage and a bad win for Usyk.
Solid undercard though and great win for Frank Sanchez from Cuba.
