Verhoeven’s stock surged after the disputed Usyk stoppage as Jake Paul’s promotion moved quickly toward a possible Ngannou fight
Rico Verhoeven’s controversial stoppage loss to Oleksandr Usyk may have created an even bigger opportunity outside the heavyweight title picture. Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is already pushing toward a possible crossover fight between Verhoeven and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou after Rico’s performance in Egypt dramatically raised his profile in boxing.
“MVP is 100 percent interested in working with Rico on his next outing in boxing or MMA,” Nakisa Bidarian, CEO and co-founder of MVP, told The Ring.
Verhoeven had previously been linked to Ngannou before accepting the Usyk fight. Ngannou instead fought Philipe Lins earlier this month, stopping him in one round.
Ngannou reacted strongly to Rico’s performance against Usyk and suggested crossover fighters are judged differently when they enter boxing.
“Outsiders will never win, trust me, I know, but Rico was the winner tonight, period,” Ngannou said on social media after the fight.
Jake Paul also questioned the result after the controversial stoppage, praising Verhoeven’s performance against the unbeaten heavyweight champion.
“I truly love boxing, and what happened seriously makes me sad. The sport and the fans deserve better,” Jake said on social media.
“I can’t get away from this, but Usyk is the best of our generation, and Rico just worked him every round. So is Rico the best of our generation?”
Verhoeven later said he plans to continue boxing following the Usyk fight, opening the door for potential bouts against Ngannou and other heavyweights.
The timing could become complicated, however. Turki Alalshikh has already spoken publicly about wanting Usyk to face Agit Kabayel next before revisiting a rematch with Verhoeven afterward. That could leave Rico waiting unless another major fight is finalized in the meantime.
A Verhoeven-Ngannou fight may now be one of the biggest crossover bouts available in combat sports.