Oleksandr Usyk ex-promoter explains why he’d have blocked Rico Verhoeven fight before split

Oleksandr Usyk’s former promoter Alex Krassyuk would have advised the champion to retire rather than face Rico Verhoeven.

Usyk will take on kickboxing legend Verhoeven on May 18 in a bout that has been met with some backlash.

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Despite the Dutch sporting icon’s lack of background in traditional boxing, the fight has been sanctioned with the Ukrainian’s WBC title on the line.

Many believe Usyk should have been forced to face a leading contender from the rankings, with Agit Kabayel waiting in line for a shot at the belt.

But the Ukrainian is now at the tail end of his career and is looking for the most commercially viable outings as he approaches the age of 40.

Although his former promoter Alex Krassyuk, who split with the Ukrainian last year, insists it shouldn’t be happening.

He told talkSPORT that it wouldn’t have materialised under his guidance.

Krassyuk explained to Jim White: “This will sound weird, but if I was there the fight wouldn’t have happened.

“I understand for Usyk and for the team why they have made the decision as it makes sense financial wise.”

When expanding further on his reasoning, he insisted he would rather Usyk have retired while he’s on top.

He added: “If I was still with him, he’d have listened to me and retired after the second fight with Tyson Fury.

“He achieved everything possible, he has made as much money as he could dream of.

“He is a national hero in his homeland, he is a well recognised star around the world.

“He has nothing left to prove, but he should have jumped into the decision to finish with boxing and move on to the next phase of his life.”

Usyk’s plan before retirement

Nonetheless Usyk is likely to beat Verhoeven and is looking to have the fight as one of three before he hangs up his gloves.

He wants to step in with the victor of Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley’s title clash on May 9.

But he could first be forced to meet his mandatory requirement by facing Kabayel.

Usyk has also suggested he wants to meet Fury for a third time, but the pair could face a wait for now.