Eddie Hearn has suggested that Oleksandr Usyk should pursue a rematch with Rico Verhoeven and aim to retire with a win in that bout. The boxing promoter's comments come after Usyk's controversial stoppage victory over Verhoeven on 23 May at the pyramids of Giza.
Verhoeven, a kickboxing icon fighting professionally for only the second time, appeared to be ahead before the fight was waved off at the end of round 11. The Dutchman was knocked down late in the round, and although he was given extra time to recover after re-inserting his mouthguard, the referee stopped the bout after the bell as Usyk continued punching.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Hearn said: 'I think that Usyk will always take it seriously, but the reality is he's a legacy guy, and this was a money fight.' He added that Verhoeven 'was so unorthodox' and that he thought Usyk was behind after 10 rounds, but a 10-8 round in the 11th would have seen him win on points.
Hearn advised: 'If I was Usyk, I'd be rematching Rico Verhoeven straight away in Holland, and I would probably end my career there with a win.' He argued that the result 'gives him an excuse to run it back' and that Usyk would likely win more comfortably the second time.
Usyk's next fight could be a mandatory defence against Agit Kabayel, whose promoter Frank Warren has said he will not stand for a Verhoeven rematch. However, Hearn believes Usyk does not need to fight Kabayel, asking: 'What's he got to prove?'
Usyk also holds the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles and has expressed a desire to become a three-time undisputed champion. However, if he elects to rematch Verhoeven, he would likely be stripped of his WBC belt.
