Rico Verhoeven’s trainer, Peter Fury, insists there is no bad blood after heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk chose Deontay Wilder for a retirement superfight instead of a rematch. The decision comes after Verhoeven gave Usyk his toughest test to date in May.
Usyk was expected to crush Verhoeven, a kickboxer with a mere 1-0 boxing record, when they met at the Pyramids of Giza. But the fight was no walkover. The Dutchman shocked the world, pushing the Ukrainian champion to the brink in a brutal contest. The bout was so punishing it seemingly convinced Usyk to vacate his three world titles and prepare for one final dance before hanging up his gloves.
Now, that last dance will be against knockout artist Deontay Wilder, not Verhoeven. It is a blow to the man who nearly caused one of the sport’s greatest upsets. Still, his camp is showing pure class. Speaking to Seconds Out, Peter Fury made it clear they hold no grudge against the champion for his choice.
Fury stated: “As far as I know on social media Usyk is fighting Wilder next. I don’t think so [that he is avoiding Verhoeven]. Usyk has done everything in the sport and he is going to fight who he wants to fight.” This is a clear message of respect from one camp to another, acknowledging that Usyk has earned the right to call his own shots after a legendary career.
Fury doubled down on his praise for the Ukrainian champion. He sees the decision not as an act of fear, but as the prerogative of a fighter who has conquered all.
“He is an incredible man, Usyk, the man has done everything, so full props to him. He is a great champion.” The fight against Wilder is expected to be promoted by Zuffa Boxing, giving Usyk a chance to add another title and a legendary name to his already phenomenal record. For Verhoeven, however, the shot at redemption is gone.
