Verhoeven caused Usyk problems for a long time and was close to one of the biggest upsets in boxing history before going to the ground in the eleventh round, writes the BBC.
The match was then stopped amid a late flurry of attacks, with replays suggesting the bell may have already sounded for the end of the round.
“I just want an apology. What else can we do? I can’t demand anything more,” the 37-year-old from Halsteren told BBC Sport. Verhoeven says his team appealed to the WBC the next morning.
“Mistakes can be made because we are all human and that’s okay,” he added. “But really all I want to hear is: ‘Yes, sorry guys, this could have turned out differently – this is something we need to look at and hopefully this doesn’t happen again in the future.’
“That’s it, and let’s go from there and prepare for the rematch.”
Future unclear
Verhoeven was a kickboxing world champion for more than 4,000 days, but had only one professional boxing match to his name before Saturday’s fight, a victory over a lesser-known opponent in 2014.
The undefeated Usyk, on the other hand, is an undisputed champion in two weight divisions, after first dominating at cruiserweight and then becoming undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
The 39-year-old Ukrainian remains undefeated in 25 professional fights and is widely regarded as one of the best fighters of his era.
“His legacy is great anyway, but I definitely think we have cracked the man who was considered invincible,” Verhoeven said.
He is not yet sure whether there will be an immediate rematch. German Agit Kabayel is the mandatory WBC challenger for Usyk’s title and has previously faced the champion in the ring in Cairo.
“I just started boxing, so this world is new to me. I don’t know exactly how it works. I’m just letting it happen, but I know I surprised the world,” Verhoeven added.
Should the rematch fall through, Verhoeven is “open” to a possible fight with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, who nearly defeated Tyson Fury in his boxing debut before being defeated by Anthony Joshua.
“Let’s wait and see what comes our way. But I have to be honest, it has to be something big. I feel like the unofficial king,” he said.
