Oleksandr Usyk avoided what would have been one of boxing's biggest upsets on Saturday, surviving a late scare against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven to win the WBC heavyweight title via a controversial 11th-round stoppage in Giza, Egypt. The three-time undisputed champion caught Verhoeven with a left uppercut as the challenger rushed in, sending him down hard with seconds remaining in the round.

Verhoeven had given Usyk fits throughout the bout with his unorthodox movement and relentless forward pressure. The kickboxer landed hard right hands and never stopped charging, keeping the champion from establishing clear rhythm. By the 11th round, Verhoeven appeared poised for what would have been arguably one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Verhoeven made it to his feet after the knockdown but could not recover. After getting his mouthpiece back in, Usyk clobbered him with a series of power punches that earned the stoppage with one second left on the clock. The decision has already drawn criticism from fans and analysts questioning whether Verhoeven could have continued.