Oleksandr Usyk successfully defended his WBC, IBF, and WBA heavyweight titles against Rico Verhoeven last Saturday, but his unexpectedly difficult performance has drawn sharp criticism. Contender Agit Kabayel openly questioned the champion’s aging reflexes and struggles against an unpredictable opponent.
The undisputed king of the heavyweight division entered the ring as a massive betting favorite. Yet, Verhoeven dragged Usyk into deep waters, creating several dangerous sequences that nearly cost the Ukrainian his unified crown. Watching closely from ringside, Kabayel noted the clear decline in the champion’s usual ring control. “It wasn’t the perfect performance from Usyk, but it is what it is. You see the situation [with Usyk struggling],” Kabayel stated. The German heavyweight has positioned himself for a mandatory shot at the belts and admitted the sloppy showing caused him intense anxiety about missing his impending payday. “For me, it was also bad. When I see the fight, I felt [nervous]. I wait so long for the opportunity with Usyk, and he makes a very bad [job of it against Verhoeven].”
Verhoeven’s awkward rhythm disrupted Usyk’s elite footwork. Instead of darting in and out of range, the champion repeatedly found himself caught inside, taking heavy shots from a challenger who refused to stick to a traditional boxing script. Kabayel attributed these struggles to a combination of physical decline and a lack of reliable scouting material. “I think he is old. But I think Rico has a very unorthodox style. This was hard for Usyk – he cannot watch [much boxing tape of] Rico. He does not understand what the plan is from Rico.”
The heavyweight picture now shifts entirely toward Usyk’s mandatory defenses. Surviving Verhoeven keeps his undisputed status intact, but the sluggish victory provides a clear blueprint for top contenders. The chase is officially on. Kabayel is waiting in the wings, fully aware that a fading champion presents a rare opportunity. Promoters must now finalize the timeline for Usyk’s next training camp as the division prepares for a changing of the guard. If his footwork continues to slow, those belts will soon change hands.
