Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion, is plotting a return to the ring later this year, but his next opponent remains unconfirmed. Intriguingly, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has floated a sensational crossover bout against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.
Usyk's Comeback Plans and Training Regime
Usyk has not fought since his fifth-round knockout victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in July last year, a bout that drew over 90,000 fans. At 39 years old, there were initial fears that 2026 might mark his final appearance in the ring. However, the two-time undisputed champion has performed a major U-turn, expressing a desire to compete for another two years. He is currently back in training, aiming for a return to action at some point in 2026.
Previously, Usyk had called for a fight with heavyweight veteran Deontay Wilder, but those talks have stalled. Wilder is now scheduled to face Derek Chisora on April 4 at the O2 Arena in London instead. This leaves Usyk without a confirmed opponent, opening the door for Alalshikh's imaginative proposal.
Alalshikh's Fantasy Fight Proposal
Turki Alalshikh, known for staging high-profile fantasy fights in Saudi Arabia, took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal his interest in a clash between Usyk and Rico Verhoeven. Sharing a post of one of Verhoeven's knockout wins, Alalshikh wrote: "I want to see him against Oleksandr Usyk." This suggestion has sparked widespread discussion in combat sports circles.
Who Is Rico Verhoeven?
Rico Verhoeven is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. The Dutch star captured the heavyweight title in 2014 and has remained unbeaten for over a decade. Recently, he shocked fans by vacating his GLORY world title, becoming a free agent and exploring new opportunities.
Verhoeven has been linked with a move to MMA, including reported contract offers from the UFC. Despite his fame in kickboxing, he does have some boxing experience. His only professional boxing bout was a knockout win over Janos Finfera in Germany back in 2014. This limited experience adds an intriguing layer to Alalshikh's proposal, as it would pit Usyk's elite boxing skills against Verhoeven's kickboxing prowess in a boxing match.
Historic YouTube Event in San Francisco
Amid talks of his 2026 return, Usyk has also been linked with a historic event that could set a world record. YouTube is launching an ambitious plan to stage a boxing show in San Francisco on July 11, aiming for a crowd of nearly 150,000 fans at Civic Center Plaza. Organisers hope to transform the plaza into an open-air boxing arena, with a ring constructed in front of City Hall.
IVB chief Ed Pereira has expressed interest in assembling a blockbuster card around Usyk for this event. Pereira told the Mail: "We are open to working with all promoters, managers, content creators and fighters, so of course we’d be open to speaking to a boxer of that calibre. Who wouldn’t want Usyk on their card? It’s going to be more than just a fight."
He emphasised the cultural significance of the event, comparing it to the NFL's approach. "This partnership with YouTube puts us in the next league. Boxing fans want to see the biggest fights on the biggest stages, but I want to make it accessible to the casual fan... and everyone has YouTube on their phones," Pereira added.
What's Next for Usyk?
As Usyk continues his training, the boxing world awaits confirmation of his next move. Whether it's a crossover bout with Verhoeven, a spot on the historic YouTube card in San Francisco, or another high-profile matchup, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for the Ukrainian champion. His commitment to fighting for two more years suggests fans can expect more thrilling performances from one of boxing's modern greats.
