Rico Verhoeven has called for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. But does the kickboxing superstar deserve a second challenge against the boxing heavyweight champion?
Verhoeven is a boxing legend and a long-time reigning Glory heavyweight titlist. But he is new to boxing and in his second professional fight last month he faced Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist and previously undefeated and undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
But in a temporary stadium built in the shadow of Egypt’s pyramids, Verhoeven performed shockingly well when he extended Usyk, only to lose after a controversial stoppage at the end of the 11th round.
Verhoeven demanded an immediate rematch.
“This is by no means taking anything away from Oleksandr. He is one of the greatest fighters of this generation and I have nothing but respect for what he has achieved. After 11 unforgettable rounds on one of the biggest and most majestic stages in the world, the feeling remains in my mind that the story has stopped before it ends,” said Verhoeven.
“Oleksandr had some strong moments. He held me well and you could feel the tension in the fight alternation. That’s what happens at this level. Momentum can change in an instant. Throughout my career, there have been moments when people thought it was over. In several world title fights, I found a way to change the situation and leave with my hand raised.”
Although Verhoeven lost, he was surprised by how well he performed against Usyk in Egypt.
He added: “I truly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to see how this fight ends.”
“The fans were denied a 12-rounder. After all the hard work we both put into that fight, they deserved to see how it ended. I never got the chance to know if this would have been one of those nights I’ve experienced before.
“And Oleksandr was denied the opportunity to end it in a way no one could question.
“So my conclusion is actually quite simple: Let’s close the story and give the fans an immediate rematch.”
But there’s no guarantee Verhoeven can replicate that magic. Hamzah Sheeraz, who won the WBO super middleweight title on the Usyk-Verhoeven undercard, warned: “I believe a rematch doesn’t do Rico any favors except his bank balance. Usyk is the king who beat them twice.”
Usyk has defeated members of the modern heavyweight elite twice. He has two wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, and usually delivers an improved performance in his second fight against the same opponent.
“When the rematch happens, everything gets downloaded,” said trainer and boxing expert Gary Logan.
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Andy Scott, along with Hamzah Sheeraz and Tony Sims, had a lot to say about Oleksandr Usyk’s stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven.
Usyk also has other duties. If he wants to retain his WBC title, one of the belts he still holds along with the IBF and WBA championships, he will have to fight Agit Kabayel next.
Logan also believes Verhoeven deserves another fight. “If you really want to legitimize yourself as a heavyweight, go and fight other major heavyweights and have the honor of giving the very patient Kabayel a chance if Usyk continues,” he said.
Usyk is 39 years old. Most boxers retire by that age. Logan believes Ukrainians should consider retirement on their own.
“Get out. He has nothing more to prove. He’s done everything,” he said. 2 toes Podcast. “His legacy has not been tainted (by the Verhoeven match). There has been no damage to his legacy.
“Nothing comes back. Rico’s legs are limp. One more hit and he’s sleeping.”
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Watch old enemies become friends and share a laugh as Oleksandr Usyk helps train Anthony Joshua. (Video courtesy of Oleksandr Usyk – Instagram @usykaa, @anthonyjoshua)
chase greatness
Usyk has already made his mark on heavyweight history. He also has a sense of legacy and opportunity. He walked to the ring for the Verhoeven fight in Giza, following the style of Alexander the Great.
“The strike look must have soul, history and meaning. Alexander the Great was a brilliant military leader, the founder of an empire and a winner. And today we only need victory – not only for boxing, but for all Ukrainians. For me, this look is a symbol of that victory. My team and I wanted this strike to have depth – symbolism, historical references, respect for the place and the event itself, because sport is also art,” Usyk said.
Usyk dons an Alexander the Great inspired costume and heads out to fight Rico Verhoeven. (Photo: Ready to fight)
Proud to represent Ukraine on the world stage, Usyk is well known for supporting his home country in its fight against Russian aggression.
He woven hidden statements into his fight night outfits. The combination of Tryplian symbols contains the following encrypted message: “Destroyed homes do not destroy our connection and unity. We protect our homeland.”
Sergey Lapin, Usyk’s childhood friend who now runs the Ready To Fight public relations company, said: sky sports: “It’s impossible to predict that a 15-year-old kid who walks into a gym will become a world champion.
“The only person who truly believed it from the beginning was Oleksandr’s first coach, his father, Serhii Lapin Sr. Over the years, he continued to say 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 for the past 20 years.
“What sets Oleksandr apart is his mindset, discipline, intelligence and ability to commit to a process over many years.”
