SportBoxingOleksandr UsykBoxing heavyweight world champion Usyk defeated kickboxing legend Verhoeven last month when the fight was stopped in the penultimate round12:33, 24 Jun 2026Oleksandr Usyk could RETIRE from boxing within days following his controversial win over Rico Verhoeven.‌Boxing heavyweight world champion Usyk defeated kickboxing legend Verhoeven last month when the fight was stopped in the penultimate round. Verhoeven later lodged an appeal after the referee waved the fight off AFTER the bell sounded. But the Dutchman was unsuccessful as Usyk held on to his belts.‌The Ukrainian is currently negotiating with mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel but his advisor Sergey Lapin has admitted his countryman could hang up his gloves.‌“Agit Kabayel is an excellent fighter, a worthy champion and a man we respect. There is nothing personal here, but fights of this magnitude are not made through social media or public pressure," he told Snabbare. “Oleksandr has spent his entire career proving who he is. At this stage, the question is no longer what Usyk owes anyone. The question is what kind of event can be built?“A serious offer, backed by serious people, the right commercial structure, broadcasters and site fee support, is how the biggest fights in the world are made. If the numbers and the opportunity make sense for everyone, then everything is possible. We are open to serious business, not noise.Article continues below“Nothing personal and nothing emotional will prevent this fight from happening with Agit. But if there is no serious commercial structure behind the fight, then it becomes difficult to justify. If the right opportunity presents itself, the fight can happen. If not, there are other paths and other major opportunities available.“Oleksandr has earned the right to carefully evaluate every option. We are speaking with different parties and considering all opportunities. A decision will be made by the end of this week, and everyone will know where we stand. Clarity is coming very soon.“But one thing people should remember: when a fighter has achieved everything Oleksandr has achieved, every appearance becomes special. It is possible that fans have already seen him in the ring for the last time. Or maybe there is still one more chapter left. We will know very soon.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Oleksandr Usyk