Verhoeven confirmed the verdict and shared details from the commission’s review.

“On 24 May, we filed a formal protest because we genuinely believed there was a serious question around the way the fight was stopped. On 16 June, we received the Commission’s decision,” said Verhoeven on social media.

“The ruling confirmed that the bell ending Round 11 had already sounded before the referee physically waved off the fight. The official timekeeper said exactly that. The ringside doctor also confirmed that I showed no signs of confusion or disorientation after the bout. The Commission’s view was that none of those findings changed the outcome.”

Despite the appeal being rejected, Verhoeven reiterated his desire for a rematch with Usyk.

“Look, this has never been about taking anything away from Oleksandr. He’s one of the greatest fighters of this generation, and I have nothing but respect for what he’s achieved.

“What stays with me is the feeling that, after eleven unforgettable rounds on one of the biggest and most epic stages in the world, the story simply stopped before it reached its ending.

“I truly believe everyone deserved the chance to see how this fight was meant to end. The fans were denied a 12th round.

“So for me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch.”

Usyk stopped Verhoeven in the 11th round of their May 23 clash at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. At the time of the stoppage, the official scorecards read 96-94 for Verhoeven and 95-95 twice, leaving the fight still in the balance entering the closing stages.

The ruling keeps Usyk’s victory intact and leaves the unbeaten Ukrainian to decide between a rematch with Verhoeven or a defense against WBC mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel.