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  "path": "/sport/boxing/oleksandr-usyk-daughter-text-rico-verhoeven",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-24T12:17:40.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Rico Verhoeven makes big announcement after controversial defeat to Oleksandr Usyk",
    "Tyson Fury and Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to buy football club with Netflix twist",
    "Cristian Romero makes remarkable U-turn ahead of crunch Tottenham and Everton clash",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nOleksandr Usyk revealed he received a heartbreaking message from his daughter sheltering in Ukraine moments before his dramatic victory over Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.\n\nThe undefeated heavyweight champion defended his WBC title in extraordinary circumstances on Saturday night after stopping Verhoeven in the 11th round near the Pyramids.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBut while the boxing world focused on the controversial ending to the fight, Usyk admitted his thoughts were also with his family back home as Russia launched fresh attacks on Kyiv.\n\nSpeaking after the bout, the 39-year-old disclosed that his daughter had messaged him from a bomb shelter shortly before he entered the ring.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n\"'Papa, I love you, you win. I'm afraid,'\" Usyk revealed the text said.\n\nThe emotional admission came after another devastating night in Ukraine, where authorities confirmed at least four people had been killed following major Russian strikes on the capital.\n\nUsyk had been involved in one of the toughest fights of his career against kickboxing legend Verhoeven.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMany expected the Ukrainian to comfortably overcome the Dutchman, who entered the contest with only one previous professional boxing appearance.\n\nInstead, Verhoeven pushed Usyk to the brink in a stunning performance that shocked many inside the arena.\n\nThe 37-year-old repeatedly troubled the champion with his pressure, awkward movement and heavy shots, even managing to visibly hurt Usyk at stages of the contest.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Rico Verhoeven makes big announcement after controversial defeat to Oleksandr Usyk\n  * Tyson Fury and Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to buy football club with Netflix twist\n  * Cristian Romero makes remarkable U-turn ahead of crunch Tottenham and Everton clash\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAt the time of the stoppage, the fight was hanging in the balance.\n\nTwo judges had the contest level at 95-95, while a third scored it 96-94 in Verhoeven's favour heading into the final round.\n\nUsyk ultimately turned the tide late in the 11th when he dropped Verhoeven with a powerful left hand before referee Mark Lycett stepped in to halt the fight moments later.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe ending sparked fierce debate across the boxing world, with many believing the stoppage came too early - particularly as the bell appeared to sound shortly before the referee intervened.\n\nVerhoeven later lodged an official protest and insisted he should have been given the chance to continue.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite the controversy, Usyk showed the resilience that has defined his remarkable career to remain unbeaten.\n\nThe Ukrainian had looked in genuine danger of suffering one of the most shocking defeats in heavyweight boxing history before producing the decisive late burst.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSpeaking afterwards, Usyk admitted the fight had pushed him hard physically and emotionally.\n\n\"This fight was hard,\" he said. \"It was a good fight.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Oleksandr Usyk reveals devastating text from daughter after win over Rico Verhoeven"
}