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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayAs fight fans who tuned in know, we were so close to seeing a massive upset last night in the heavyweight title fight between heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk and maligned kickboxer challenger Rico Verhoeven. With just one click left on the clock in the 11th round, the referee dived in and “saved” Verhoeven, this after he had been knocked down earlier in the session.
The controversy has overtaken in terms if interest, and outrage, the fact that the fight was such a good one. Going in, we were almost all guilty of writing Verhoeven off. Now, the former kickboxer has blown a hole in the entire heavyweight division. What next for Usyk and for the man who arguably gave the heavyweight ruler his single toughest pro fight?
Now, we all know that Usyk, 25-0(16), has more than cemented his place amongst the greats; his domination at both cruiserweight and heavyweight is unquestionable. But some fans do want more from Usyk before he retires from the sport – namely, a return fight with Verhoeven.
So, who would YOU like to see Usyk fight in his swansong? Agit Kabayel is of course more than deserving of his shot, the unbeaten German having earned his chance with big, impressive wins over the likes of Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez, and Zhilei Zhang.
Kabayel is the WBC interim heavyweight champ, and plenty of people do feel Usyk should face him before walking away. Who would win if Usyk did face the dangerously effective body puncher? Or again, should Verhpeven – who says he plans to appeal last night’s decision – get an immediate rematch with 39-year-old Usyk?
Has Usyk lost a step (or two), had an off night, or is Verhoeven the real deal indeed? Another question that’s now being asked is, can Verhoeven beat some elite heavyweights, and where should he now be ranked in light of his great effort last night? We saw something special last night, and we also came oh-so-close to seeing a gargantuan boxing upset.
Will we get answers to the above questions and more before the quite brilliant, thoroughly enjoyable-to-watch ring career of Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Usyk comes to an end?
James Slater is a senior boxing journalist at Boxing247.com (formerly East Side Boxing) and has covered the sport for more than two decades. Known for his deep expertise, he reports on breaking news, conducts fighter interviews, and delivers authoritative perspective on boxing’s past and present.
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Boxing • Boxing News • What Next For Oleksandr Usyk?
Last Updated on 2026/05/24 at 10:59 AM

















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