Verhoeven rematch or Kabayel fight: WBC confirms what Usyk must do next to keep belt

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has confirmed whether he will honour Agit Kabayel’s mandatory position in the wake of Oleksandr Usyk’s controversial triumph over Rico Verhoeven.

Usyk retained his WBC world title on Saturday, yet many felt that professional boxing novice Verhoeven was wrongfully stopped in round 11.

Prior to their showdown, the Dutch kickboxer was largely dismissed as a worthy challenger, mainly because he lacked the experience and credentials to justify a heavyweight title shot.

His only other professional boxing match came in 2014, when he scored a second-round finish over an opponent who later retired with an 0-6 record.

Yet despite being an overwhelming underdog, Verhoeven gave Usyk a surprisingly competitive contest and even managed to build a slight lead on one of the judges’ scorecards.

The 37-year-old was then ultimately stopped in round 11, where referee Mark Lyson called a halt shortly after Verhoeven survived a heavy knockdown.

In response, many have suggested that the stoppage came too early, questioning why the referee waved it off at the sound of the bell.

But regardless of this reaction, Sulaiman has told Pro Boxing Fans that Verhoeven will not be permitted to leapfrog WBC ‘interim’ champion Kabayel in his pursuit of a second title shot.

“Kabayel is the mandatory contender [to Usyk’s belt]. [But] Rico is going to get ranked [by the WBC], for sure. And he deserves to fight again for the WBC world title.”

With a clash between Usyk and Kabayel likely to be ordered by the WBC, perhaps Verhoeven can gain further experience and eventually demand a rematch with the Ukrainian.

Either way, many will be intrigued to see whether he can become a genuine heavyweight contender.