Rico Verhoeven is adamant he has only scratched the surface of his boxing potential and remains confident he can inflict more damage on Oleksandr Usyk should the pair meet again. The Dutch heavyweight, a former kickboxing world champion, pushed the unified titleholder to the brink of a decision earlier this month before a contentious stoppage ended proceedings with just one second remaining in the 11th round. Speaking to Sky Sports, Verhoeven described the performance as merely "opening the toolbox" and vowed a rematch would deliver new surprises.
The bout, staged at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza, saw Verhoeven exceed expectations by maneuvering through Usyk’s renowned footwork and landing meaningful body shots. While the Ukrainian ultimately forced a referee’s intervention, the timing — a single tick of the clock from the final bell — sparked immediate calls for a second fight. Verhoeven believes his work to the body will have lasting effects: "The next day, he will have felt that," he asserted, though he stopped short of claiming he was on the cusp of a knockout.
Verhoeven’s insistence that he possesses an "armoury" yet to be unveiled stems from his extensive striking background. Across a decorated kickboxing career, he developed a diverse array of attacks, and he feels his transition to boxing still has layers to expose. "This is just me opening the toolbox. I only showed a few tools," he explained. "There are multiple ways we can fight Usyk. The next one, again, is going to be a surprise." The former Glory champion’s ability to adapt and remain unpredictable could pose a different set of puzzles for Usyk, whose technical mastery has dissected elite heavyweights.
However, the path to an immediate rematch is far from clear. Usyk, who holds the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight straps, has been ordered by the WBC to face mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel next. Should the Ukrainian prioritize that obligation, Verhoeven would be forced to wait — or risk seeing the opportunity slip away entirely. Usyk could also opt to vacate the belt, but that scenario appears unlikely given his pursuit of undisputed status. For now, Verhoeven remains in limbo, admitting he has "no clue" what comes next.
The uncertainty leaves Verhoeven at a career crossroads. Having stepped into the pro boxing ranks later than most, the 37-year-old must weigh each move carefully. Yet the attention generated by his gallant effort against Usyk has opened doors globally. "I’ve been reached out to by the whole world. It’s been crazy," he noted. Should a rematch fail to materialise, Verhoeven is eager to chase marquee fights in spectacular settings, emphasising that viewership numbers prove his box-office appeal. He has one non-negotiable: the biggest stages against any opponent.
While Verhoeven’s immediate future is dictated by sanctioning body politics, his stock has undeniably risen. By taking Usyk deeper than most anticipated and landing shots that registered on the champion, he dispelled any notion that he was merely a kickboxer dabbling in boxing. His performance reframed him as a legitimate heavyweight threat — one whose toolbox, as he puts it, is far from empty. If a sequel gets the green light, fans could witness a more liberated and aggressive Verhoeven, armed with the confidence of having already rocked the divisional king.
Beyond the heavyweight drama, the boxing calendar continues to churn with compelling matchups. On June 6, Chris Billam-Smith defends his cruiserweight title against Ryan Rozicki in Bournemouth, live on Sky Sports. The event, part of a Zuffa Boxing show, promises fireworks in a division eager for clarity. Billam-Smith, a proven ticket-seller in his hometown, will aim to solidify his standing while Verhoeven and Usyk sort out their tangled paths.
For Usyk, the Kabayel mandate presents both a logistical hurdle and a potential legacy-enhancing opportunity. The Ukrainian has a history of tackling mandatory obligations without complaint, and a victory over the undefeated Kabayel would further cement his era-defining run. But the shadow of a vengeful Verhoeven, armed with newfound belief and a deeper arsenal, will loom over whatever choice he makes. The heavyweight landscape remains as unpredictable as ever, with one Dutchman eagerly waiting to prove the first encounter was merely a prelude.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.