Oleksandr Usyk Does Not Have to Fight Agit Kabayel, Says Eddie Hearn

Fresh off a victory against Rico Verhoeven (1-1, 1 KOs), Oleksandr Usyk (25-0, 16 KOs) has been ordered by the WBC to fight mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs). But he just might have a way out of it, or so says Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn.

Talking to Fight Hub TV, Hearn revealed how the Ukrainian powerhouse could work around the mandatories.

“If I was Usyk, I’d be rematching Rico Verhoeven straight away in Holland, right? And I would probably end my career there with a win. You know, I don’t think he needs to necessarily fight Kabayel. He’s a great fighter. What’s he got to prove? But I do think that result of that fight gives him an excuse to run it back,” he said.

Verhoeven performed far better than almost anyone expected against Usyk. Coming into the fight, most people thought it would be a showcase for Usyk, but Verhoeven actually gave him serious problems with his size, pressure, and body work.

Hearn’s main argument is that the Usyk–Verhoeven fight created unfinished business in a way that a Kabayel fight simply doesn’t. He believes Rico exceeded expectations so dramatically that, because the stoppage was controversial, fans now genuinely want to see a second fight. He mentioned that from a promotional and entertainment perspective, a rematch is “massive,” especially since Verhoeven proved he could trouble Usyk physically and stylistically.

In fact, Hearn even believes that Verhoeven wasn’t given the chance that he deserved.

“Listen, I’m not saying people weren’t excited about the fight, but no one gave Rico a chance. Now, especially in Holland, they’ll think that Rico can win. And maybe he can, but I think Usyk would do a better job next time,” he said.

“Rico Definitely Deserved The Chance”

Even after fight night, Hearn remained rather passionate in his support for Verhoeven, especially after the now-controversial stoppage. Taking to social media, he urged that Verhoeven wasn’t given an adequate opportunity to prove himself.

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“I thought Rico Verhoeven was incredible, I gave him hardly any chance in this fight. His concentration, belief and IQ unbelievable for basically a debutant,” he wrote. “I had Rico a couple of rounds up going into the 11th. Usyk did what champions do but for me the stoppage was early. The bell had basically gone and Rico was defending and knew exactly where he was. I do think Usyk would have got a clearer stoppage in the 12th or edged out a decision but us and Rico definitely deserved the chance to let it unfold.”

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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