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Boxing

Three possible opponents for Oleksandr Usyk after win over Rico Verhoeven

DAZN
DAZN
Published by Mark Lelinwalla
25, May
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Three possible opponents for Oleksandr Usyk after win over Rico Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk was moments removed from eking out an 11th-round TKO of Rico Verhoeven — aided by a premature stoppage — when he was suddenly joined in the ring by Agit Kabayel.

The WBC’s interim heavyweight champion stated his case for why he should get a crack at Usyk next, before Verhoeven rejoined him in the ring for the same.

All of this was happening while the feeling of Verhoeven nearly upsetting Usyk was still lingering in the air — even now into the wee hours of Sunday morning and likely into Monday.

With that said, Verhoeven and Kabayel are in line for a shot at Usyk. DAZN News looks at the those potential matchups as well as a third opponent who could be lined up across the unified heavyweight crown holder.

A Rico Verhoeven rematch

Rico-Verhoeven-Oleksandr-Usyk-05232026-FTRMark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

The fact is: Usyk was losing on points to Verhoeven when he uncorked a blistering uppercut knockdown in the 11th round and was aided by a premature stoppage a second before the 12th.

Had the referee allowed the fight to make it to the 12th, we might have seen Usyk either stop Verhoeven or the kickboxing legend upset the unified heavyweight champion on points.

Any way you slice it, Verhoeven is deserving of a rematch. He thoroughly exceeded expectations with plodding movement that suffocated Usyk and took the Ukrainian out of his element, and clubbing blows as the bigger man.

Agit Kabayel

As the WBC interim heavyweight titleholder, Agit Kabayel took the time during the DAZN PPV on Saturday night to remind fans that he is the top-ranked fighter by the governing body and that he’d like his native Germany to play host for him challenging Usyk.

He then lobbied for a fight directly to Usyk’s face following the latter’s controversial win over Verhoeven.

Considering Kabayel’s technical prowess, aggression and penchant for ravaging opponents with body punches, the undefeated rising star taking a crack at Usyk would be an enticing fight.

Frank Sanchez

‘The Cuban Flash’ threw his name into the mix for a potential shot at Usyk on Saturday night after flattening a previously undefeated Richard Torrez Jr. with a second-round knockout.

From the opening round and briefly into the second, Frank Sanchez looked to be outclassed by Torrez’ hand speed and movement, but dramatically changed everything with one compact uppercut for a scintillating second-round TKO.

The win came in an IBF title eliminator, meaning he’s in position — just like Kabayel — for Usyk.

Which fight is most intriguing for Usyk?

DAZN News’ Mark Lelinwalla

Boxing fans — and even Canelo Alvarez himself — initially dismissed any thought of Terence Crawford moving up from super welterweight to super middleweight to challenge Alvarez. But His Excellency Turki Alalshikh cemented it and Crawford made history, capturing a third undisputed crown.

David Benavidez is currently fresh off snatching the WBA cruiserweight world championship and has already stated that he’d be willing to move up to heavyweight to challenge Usyk.

Hey, why not? Feed the ‘The Mexican Monster’ the opportunity.

Of all the possible fights for Usyk, this one piques my interest the most. The thought of a relentless puncher like Benavidez training for Usyk and daring to be even greater would mark a must-see collision.

Oleksandr UsykOleksandr UsykDavid BenavidezDavid BenavidezRico VerhoevenRico VerhoevenAgit KabayelAgit KabayelBoxingBoxing
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