Beneath the shadow of the Giza necropolis, the Ukrainian was pushed almost all the way by an opponent he never really got to grips with on the canvas.

A controversial stoppage in the penultimate round ensured victory for the former undisputed champion, but for the first time, Usyk appeared to labour.

Conversely, GLORY star Verhoeven emerged from just his second bout with credit to spare, as the Dutch kickboxer proved to be a slippery customer.

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Is Kabayel next for Usyk after Rico win?

Relive Glory in Giza here

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So what comes next for both men after a near-dramatic upset in the ring? DAZN News outlines the options that face each fighter and what they may do.

Oleksandr Usyk

Having found himself repeatedly put on the back foot by his opponent, Usyk appeared to have turned the tide by the time the stoppage decision came.

But the nature of the controversial call means that plans to pursue his former two-fight roadmap towards retirement are now likely to be torn up instead.

Rather than the winner of Dubois-Wardley II, Usyk appears set to finally accept WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel's challenge or face Verhoeven again.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has already laid out a desire to see both bouts materialise. But ultimately, Usyk faces serious questions on his next move.

Rico Verhoeven

A late-career switch to boxing - reportedly aided by actor Jason Statham - has earned Verhoeven a far greater profile across the world than ever before.

Akin to fellow crossover sensation Francis Ngannou, the Dutchman pushed another blue-chip name to their limits and seems likely to reap the rewards.

With major paydays likely to materialise for another top star, Verhoeven wants his rematch with Usyk after a controversial stoppage - but he has options.

A potential clash against another member of the heavyweight fraternity's elder statesmen cannot be ruled out, with Deontay Wilder perhaps one shout.

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