Hearn spent much of the week praising Verhoeven’s performance in Egypt after kickboxing star Usyk pushed deep before being stopped in the eleventh round. While many expected attention to turn to Kabayel or Sanchez, Hearn suggested Usyk has little left to prove against either.
“If I were Usyk, I would immediately reconsider Rico Verhoeven in Holland, wouldn’t I?” Hearn said to Fight Hub TV. “And I’ll probably end my career there with a win.
“You know, I don’t think he necessarily has to fight Kabayel. He is a great fighter. What does he have to prove?
“But I think the outcome of that fight gives him an excuse to bring it back.”
Hearn’s comments come as the debate over Usyk’s next move continues. Kabayel has been asking for a title shot for months and recently renewed those demands after Frank Sanchez defeated Richard Torrez Jr. struck out in Egypt. Sanchez, meanwhile, strengthened his own position by bouncing back 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 nobody gave Rico a chance,” Hearn said.
“Now, especially in Holland, they will think that Rico can win. And maybe he can, but I think Usyk will 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, who have both positioned themselves as deserving challengers for a world title shot.
