Usyk had already been linked to several major options after the fight, including a Tyson Fury trilogy, a showdown with Anthony Joshua, and a possible clash against the winner of a Daniel Dubois-Fabio Wardley rematch. A formal appeal from Verhoeven could suddenly complicate that timeline.

“I just saw the end because of all the comments I was reading, and they stopped the fight after the bell,” said Verhoeven to Boxing News.

“So the bell went, and then they stopped the fight. So yeah, I think we might just go and appeal it because this doesn’t make any sense, right? Like if the bell goes and then stops the fight, then why, you know, it’s like then it’s my time to rest.”

Verhoeven later suggested the fight should either be reviewed as a no-contest or sent to the scorecards instead of remaining a stoppage defeat. The comments came during an interview with Boxing News after the fight.

“Looking back at it, even the bell went. That’s something he should be aware of. Of course, mistakes can be made, but then looking back at it, the referee should admit his mistake and say, ” Hey, so it’s either a no contest or we go to the scorecards.

“And I think if we go to the scorecards, I was ahead.”

The bigger issue for Usyk is that Verhoeven’s performance may have created a legitimate market for a second fight. Before Saturday night, many viewed the crossover bout as a one-sided attraction fight. Instead, Verhoeven stayed competitive deep into the contest and left with a disputed ending that quickly became the dominant talking point online.

If Rico’s team formally pushes the issue, Usyk could eventually face a choice between revisiting the fight, vacating titles to move forward freely, or negotiating some kind of financial settlement to clear the path for his next move.

“I found my new passion within combat sports. I hope I surprised and shocked the boxing world because I’m here to stay.”