“I say thank you, guys. I love you,” Usyk told Ring Magazine, in response to the criticism he received for fighting kickboxer Verhoeven.
The reaction reads differently when you consider the situation surrounding the fight. Usyk is coming off big paydays against Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, and this crossover bout is expected to produce another significant purse. Verhoeven himself reportedly earns $15 million, which gives a clear idea of ​​the amount involved.
From that position, the usual pressure to satisfy contenders and supporters or justify matchmaking choices is not the same. Usyk has already cleared the top of the division and achieved the biggest wins available. This fight doesn’t need to answer sports questions, given the big payday Usyk receives. It’s closer to a celebrity game than a sport.
Heavyweights such as Fabio Wardley and Moses Itauma have made their interest known, and others have questioned why a non-boxer is getting the opportunity. Usyk didn’t dispute any of that. He also showed no urgency to respond.
Instead, his focus remains on May 23 in Egypt, where he will face Verhoeven in a fight built more on spectacle than divisional progress. He has already indicated that his preparation remains unchanged and treats the assignment as routine.
The lack of engagement with criticism fits the moment. When the money is so high and the legacy work is already in place, there is less incentive to argue with anyone about what comes next.
