Oleksandr Usyk's next fight? Rico Verhoeven calls for immediate rematch as Agit Kabayel waits for mandatory shot

Rico Verhoeven has called for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. But does the kickboxing superstar merit a second shot at boxing's heavyweight champion?

Verhoeven is a legend in boxing, a long-reigning Glory heavyweight titlist. But he is new to boxing and last month, in only his second pro bout, he took on Usyk, an Olympic gold medallist and unbeaten and previously undisputed champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

But in a temporary arena built in the shadow of the pyramids in Egypt, Verhoeven performed shockingly well when he extended Usyk, only losing after a contentious stoppage at the end of the 11th round.

Verhoeven has called for an immediate rematch.

"This has never been about taking anything away from Oleksandr. He's one of the greatest fighters of this generation and I have nothing but respect for what he's achieved. What stays with me is the feeling that, after 11 unforgettable rounds on one of the biggest and most epic stages in the world, the story simply stopped before it reached its ending," Verhoeven stated.

"Oleksandr had a strong moment. He caught me well and you could feel the tension in the fight shift. That's what happens at this level. Momentum can change in an instant. Throughout my career, there have been moments where people thought it was over. In multiple world title fights, I've found ways to turn things around and leave with my hand raised."

He added: "I truly believe everyone deserved the chance to see how this fight was meant to end.

"The fans were denied a 12th round. After everything we'd both put into that fight, they deserved to see how it ended. I never got the chance to find out if this would have been one of those nights I had before.

"And Oleksandr was denied the opportunity to finish it in a way that nobody could question.

"So for me, the conclusion is actually very simple. Let's finish the story and give the fans that immediate rematch."

There is though no guarantee Verhoeven can replicate that magic. Hamzah Sheeraz, who won the WBO super-middleweight title on the Usyk-Verhoeven undercard, warned: "I believe a rematch does Rico no favours apart from his bank balance. Usyk's the king of beating them twice."

Usyk has defeated the modern heavyweight elite twice over. He holds two victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, generally delivering an improved performance in a second fight against the same opponent.

"If they have a rematch, all that stuff is downloaded," trainer and boxing expert Gary Logan noted.

Usyk also has other obligations. If he is to retain his WBC title, one of the belts he still holds along with the IBF and WBA championships, he must fight Agit Kabayel next.

Logan also believes Verhoeven should take other fights. "If you really want to legit yourself as a heavyweight, go and fight some of the other leading heavyweights and let Usyk, if he's going to continue, do the honour of giving a very, very patient Kabayel his opportunity," he said.

Usyk is 39 years old. Most boxers have retired by the time they reach that age. Logan does believe the Ukrainian should consider retirement himself.