Stevenson believes the referee influenced the ending but still backed Usyk to stop Verhoeven eventually in Egypt

Shakur Stevenson believes the referee helped Oleksandr Usyk during the controversial stoppage of Rico Verhoeven but still thinks the heavyweight champion would have finished the fight anyway. Stevenson reacted publicly after backlash spread online following Saturday night’s disputed ending in Egypt.

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Usyk turned it on when he needed the ref helped for sure but who’s to say usyk wasn’t gone get him out of there he had plenty time.. Bad night in the office don’t look like he was in tip top shape to me!

— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) May 23, 2026

Shakur’s comments came after MMA broadcaster Ariel Helwani blasted the stoppage and compared it to Tyson Fury’s controversial decision win over Francis Ngannou in 2023. Helwani said Verhoeven “got robbed” and accused the referee of denying him the chance to finish the fight.

“I can’t believe Rico Verhoeven got robbed like that. It’s the same old story. It’s the Francis Fury fight all over again,” said Helwani on his YouTube show.

“At the very least, he deserved a chance to fight in the 12th.”

Shakur took a more balanced position than many fans online. He acknowledged the referee’s involvement but also suggested Usyk may have still closed the show had the fight continued.

Usyk had appeared sluggish at times during the fight and struggled more than expected with the former kickboxing champion. Stevenson hinted the heavyweight champion may not have been at his best physically, calling it a “bad night in the office.”

The ending is likely to remain a major talking point after Verhoeven revealed he may appeal the stoppage.