Hearn believes Verhoeven changed opinions with his performance against Usyk and gave a second fight real momentum
Eddie Hearn believes Rico Verhoeven did enough against Oleksandr Usyk to earn a rematch. The Matchroom chairman said Verhoeven exceeded expectations in Egypt and turned what looked like a one-off crossover fight into a matchup fans would watch again.
“Listen, I’m not saying people weren’t excited about the fight, but no one gave Rico a chance,” said Hearn to Fight Hub TV.
“Now, especially in Holland, they’ll think that Rico can win. And maybe he can, but I think Usyk would do a better job next time.”
Verhoeven’s performance surprised much of the boxing world. The longtime kickboxing champion used his size, movement, and awkward style to trouble Usyk for long stretches of the fight before being stopped late.
Hearn believes the result changed the entire conversation around a second meeting.
“If I was Usyk, I’d be rematching Rico Verhoeven straight away in Holland, right? And I would probably end my career there with a win,” said Hearn.
“But I do think that result of that fight gives him an excuse to run it back.”
Before the fight, few people were asking for a rematch. Many saw it as a one-time crossover event. After eleven rounds, Hearn sees it differently.
“Rico deserved a lot of credit and a lot of respect,” said Hearn.
Whether a rematch happens remains unclear, with Agit Kabayel and other contenders still pursuing title opportunities. Hearn’s view is that Verhoeven changed his standing with one performance. Before the fight, few believed he could compete with Usyk. After it, a second fight suddenly looks much easier to sell.
