Should a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk fail to materialise, Derek Chisora has suggested another heavyweight who Rico Verhoeven could face next.
As it stands, Usyk must make a decision on whether he faces Agit Kabayel, his mandatory challenger, or just simply vacates the WBC world title.
Relinquishing the belt would allow him to pursue an immediate rematch with Verhoeven, who gave a tremendous account of himself against the Ukrainian last Saturday.
Despite being an almighty underdog, the accomplished kickboxer managed to build a slight lead on one of the judges’ cards, while the other two scoring officials had it even after 10 rounds.
Usyk then responded by flooring his man in round 11, with referee Mark Lyson ultimately calling a halt at the sound of the bell.
While not doing quite enough to win, Verhoeven has certainly made a sizable splash in the boxing world, putting himself in the shop window for a major opportunity.
If an Usyk rematch is off the table, then Chisora has told Seconds Out that the 37-year-old should consider facing heavyweight veteran Dillian Whyte.
“I think Rico should fight Dillian Whyte.”
A former kickboxer himself, Whyte was once considered a genuine contender but, now, at the age of 38, it seems he is on the doorstep of retirement.
Despite ‘The Body Snatcher’ also coming off a first-round stoppage defeat to Moses Itauma in August, he would certainly present a different style than Usyk for Verhoeven, who has vowed to stick around in boxing and may look to build up a steady record of names.
Who the Dutchman targets next should become clear in the coming weeks, with Usyk soon forced into making a decision on his mandatory order.
