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Rico Verhoeven has called for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. But does the kickboxing superstar deserve a second shot at boxing’s heavyweight champion?
Verhoeven is a boxing legend, a long-reigning Glory heavyweight titlist. But he is new to boxing and last month, in only his second pro bout, he fought Usic, an Olympic gold medalist and undefeated and previously undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
But in a makeshift arena built in the shadow of Egypt’s pyramids, Verhoeven performed surprisingly well as he stretched Usyk, only to lose after a controversial stoppage at the end of the 11th round.
Verhoeven called for an immediate replay.
“It was never about taking anything away from Alexander. He is one of the best fighters of this generation and I have nothing but respect for what he has achieved. What remains with me is that after 11 unforgettable rounds on the world’s biggest and most epic stage, the story stopped short,” said Verhoeven.
“Alexander had a strong moment. He caught me well and you could feel the tension in the fight shift. That’s what happens at this level. Momentum can change in an instant. Throughout my career, there have been moments where people thought it was over. In multiple world title fights, I found a way to turn things around and put my hands up.”
Verhoeven was surprised by how well he performed against Usyk in Egypt despite the loss.
He added: “I really believe that everyone deserved a chance to see how this fight was finished.
“The fans were turned down in the 12th round. After all we both got into that fight, they deserved to see how it ended. I never had a chance to find out if it was in the nights I’d had before.
“And Alexander was denied the opportunity to finish in a way that no one could question.
“So for me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let’s finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch.”
There’s no guarantee that Verhoeven can replicate that magic, though. Hamzah Shiraz, who won the WBO super-middleweight title on the Usyk-Verhoeven undercard, warned: “I believe Rico won’t do a rematch without his bank balance. Usyk is the king of beating them twice.”
Usyk has defeated the modern heavyweight elite twice. He holds two wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, usually delivering an improved performance in his second fight against the same opponent.
“If they have a rematch, all that stuff is downloaded,” noted trainer and boxing expert Gary Logan.
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Andy Scott is joined by Hamzah Shiraz and Tony Sims as they discuss Oleksandr Usyk’s much talked about stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven.
Usyk also has other obligations. If he wants to retain his WBC title, one of the belts he still holds along with the IBF and WBA championships, he must fight Agit Kabael.
Logan also believes Verhoeven should have another fight. “If you really want to validate yourself as a heavyweight, go and fight other leading heavyweights and let Usyk go, if he wants to continue, respect the very patient Kabael to give him his chance,” he said.
Usyk is 39 years old. Most boxers are retired by the time they reach that age. Logan believes that Ukraine should retire itself.
“Get out. He has nothing more to prove. He’s done it all,” she said Toe2 Toe Podcast “His legacy wasn’t tarnished (by the performance against Verhoeven) it didn’t hurt his legacy.
“Nothing’s coming back, Rico’s legs are twitching. One more shot, he’s asleep.”
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Watch old enemies become friends and share laughs as Aleksandar Usyk helps Anthony Joshua train. (Video courtesy of Oleksandr Usykaa – Instagram @usykaa with @antonyjoshua)
Chasing greatness
Usyk has already secured himself a place in heavyweight history. He has a sense of legacy and occasion. He went to the ring to fight Geezer Verhoeven, styled as Alexander the Great.
“A walkout look must have soul, history and meaning. Alexander the Great was an outstanding military leader, the creator of an empire, a conqueror. And today we just need victory. Not just for boxing, but for all Ukrainians. For me, this look is a symbol of that victory. My team and I wanted this walkout to have depth: a symbol, a historical reference, a place of honor for events as well as ceremonies.” Usyk said.
Usyk stepped out to fight Rico Verhoeven in an outfit inspired by Alexander the Great. (Photo: Ready to Fight)
Proud to represent Ukraine on the world stage, USIK is well known for its support of its homeland in its struggle against Russian aggression.
He had woven a hidden statement into his war night dress. A combination of Tripillian symbols contains encrypted messages to the world, including: “A destroyed home will not destroy our connection and unity – we protect our motherland.”
Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s childhood friend who now runs his Ready to Fight promotional agency, said: Sky Sports: “It’s impossible to predict that a 15-year-old kid will walk into the gym and become a world champion.
“The only person who really believed from the beginning was my father, Serhiy Lapin Sr., who was Alexander’s first coach. For many years, he kept saying that Usyk was not just a talented boxer, but a future legend of the sport.
“And that’s exactly what happened. Everything he said came true, and I’ve seen it with my own eyes over the last 20 years.
“What sets Alexander apart is his mindset, his discipline, his intelligence, and his ability to remain fully committed to the process over many years.”
