Stoppage Drama in Giza, Scorecard Debates A Thrilling Fortnight of World Title Action

Two Weeks in Boxing: Results, Performances & Key Talking Points May 18 – June 1, 2026 | latestboxing.com The past fortnight delivered a packed schedule of high-stakes action across Europe, North America and the Middle East, featuring world title bouts, cross-sport contests, rising star showcases and significant debate around officiating and scoring. Below is a full, factual breakdown of all major events.   Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven | May 24 | Giza, Egypt This highly anticipated cross-sport contest, fought under professional boxing rules with Usyk’s WBC Heavyweight Championship on the line, proved far more competitive than many pre-fight predictions. Verhoeven, the reigning Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion, applied consistent pressure throughout, landing clean power shots to the body and head, and matched Usyk for work rate through the opening 11 rounds. Unofficial media scorecards, fan polls and independent pundit tallies widely scored the fight slightly in Verhoeven’s favour or level entering the championship rounds. The contest ended in controversial circumstances: referee Mark Lyson waved off the fight moments after the bell had sounded to end round 11, despite Verhoeven remaining upright, responsive and showing no signs of being unfit to continue. The decision drew widespread industry discussion, with most observers agreeing Verhoeven should have been permitted to return to his corner and compete in the 12th and final round. Official result: Usyk wins by TKO, Round 11; retains WBC Heavyweight Title. O’Shaquie Foster vs Raymond Ford | May 30 | Houston, USA Foster’s WBC Super-Featherweight title defence was widely viewed as a clear, convincing performance from the champion. Foster controlled the tempo from the opening bell, using superior ring craft, accurate counter-punching and defensive discipline to neutralise Ford’s aggression. He landed the cleaner, more consistent shots across all 12 rounds, with most independent observers scoring the fight comfortably in his favour. Official scorecards read 116-112 and 118-110 to Foster, alongside one judge’s card of 114-114, resulting in a Majority Decision win for the champion. The solitary draw scorecard was met with widespread surprise and criticism from media, broadcasters and fans, with near-universal consensus that it did not reflect the action inside the ring. Official result: Foster wins by MD; retains WBC Super-Featherweight Title. Other Major Action - Adam Azim vs Steve Claggett | May 31 | London: Fast-rising British super-lightweight prospect Adam Azim extended his unbeaten record to 15-0 with a third-round TKO of Canadian veteran Claggett, ending his opponent’s 19-fight unbeaten streak in impressive fashion. ​ - Sunny Edwards vs Sivenathi Nqothole | May 29 | London: Former world champion Edwards returned to winning ways with a clear unanimous decision victory over Nqothole at super-flyweight. ​ - El Paso, May 30: Amanda Serrano and Stephanie Han both recorded dominant unanimous decision wins to retain their respective world titles, further cementing the strength of the women’s division.

Please sign in to post a comment. Don't have an account sign up