Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his heavyweight world titles after defeating Rico Verhoeven in a dramatic contest at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The Ukrainian veteran was pushed throughout the fight before securing a controversial stoppage with just one second left in the 11th round.
The 39-year-old extended his unbeaten professional boxing record to 25 victories while retaining the WBA ‘super’, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts. Despite Verhoeven’s limited boxing experience, the kickboxing legend produced a strong performance that tested Usyk across the contest.
Usyk has already stated that he wants only two more fights before considering retirement, leaving major questions surrounding the future of the heavyweight division and the next challengers in line.
Agit Kabayel and IBF contenders waiting for title opportunities
WBC interim champion Agit Kabayel is currently viewed as the leading mandatory challenger for Usyk’s titles. The unbeaten German heavyweight has built an impressive resume with victories over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Frank Sanchez and Zhilei Zhang.
Despite Kabayel’s strong position in the rankings, there has been little indication that Usyk is interested in the fight. Meanwhile, Frank Sanchez boosted his own credentials after producing a knockout victory against Richard Torrez Jr on the undercard in Egypt.
The IBF could soon order a mandatory defence once the WBC situation becomes clear. Former cruiserweight rival Murat Gassiev also remains high in the WBA rankings after previously losing to Usyk in their undisputed clash back in 2018.
Rico Verhoeven also earned praise despite the defeat. The longtime Glory heavyweight champion showed he could compete with elite-level boxers and may receive more crossover opportunities in the future following comparisons with Francis Ngannou’s transition into boxing.
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua edging closer again
The long-awaited Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua showdown appears closer than ever after years of failed negotiations and public callouts. Joshua is first scheduled to face Albania’s Kristian Prenga on July 25, while Fury is expected to take part in an interim fight in Dublin on August 1.
If both British heavyweights avoid injuries or unexpected defeats, there is growing confidence that the mega fight could finally happen later this year. Fury recently reignited interest in the rivalry after calling out Joshua following his victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The fight remains one of the biggest attractions in world boxing and could become the defining event of the modern heavyweight era.
Fabio Wardley, Daniel Dubois and Moses Itauma shaping future division
Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are also expected to continue their rivalry after Dubois defeated Wardley in a heavyweight thriller earlier this month. Wardley has already activated his rematch clause, raising the possibility of a trilogy if he levels the series.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old British prospect Moses Itauma continues to rise rapidly in the heavyweight division. Itauma recently stopped Jermaine Franklin and is now being linked with a major bout against Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic at London’s O2 Arena in August.
Veteran fighters like Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora also remain active, while Richard Riakporhe continues to stay involved in the British heavyweight scene.
With Oleksandr Usyk nearing the final phase of his career, the heavyweight division now faces a major transition period filled with title contenders, blockbuster rivalries and rising young stars.
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