Hearn spent much of the week praising Verhoeven’s performance in Egypt after the kickboxing star pushed Usyk into deep waters before being stopped in the eleventh round. While many expected attention to turn toward Kabayel or Sanchez, Hearn suggested Usyk has little left to prove against either man.
“If I was Usyk, I’d be rematching Rico Verhoeven straight away in Holland, right?” said Hearn to Fight Hub TV. “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.”
Hearn’s comments come as debate continues over Usyk’s next move. Kabayel has spent months calling for a title shot and recently renewed those demands after Frank Sanchez knocked out Richard Torrez Jr. in Egypt. Sanchez, meanwhile, strengthened his own position by rebounding from his 2024 stoppage loss to Kabayel.
Hearn also argued that Verhoeven deserved more credit than he received before the fight and felt the result left unfinished business.
“Listen, I’m not saying people weren’t excited about the fight, but no one gave Rico a chance,” said Hearn.
“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.”
A rematch would likely be one of the biggest events available to Usyk outside of a third fight with Tyson Fury. It would also delay long-awaited opportunities for Kabayel and Sanchez, both of whom have positioned themselves as deserving challengers for a world title shot.
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