Oleksandr Usyk’s next two fights become clear after stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven

Oleksandr Usyk’s next steps have already been mapped out in the wake of his contentious stoppage win over Rico Verhoeven.

The Ukrainian narrowly avoided the biggest upset in boxing history by rallying late to drop and stop Verhoeven in the 11th round.

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Verhoeven had caused Usyk all kinds of problems in the lead-up to the finish, which many, including Verhoeven, felt had come too soon.

The long-reigning Glory Kickboxing heavyweight champion intends to appeal the result.

But regardless of whether the fight gets overturned or not, it appears that Verhoeven will get a second crack at Usyk.

The immediate plan is for Usyk to face his WBC mandatory Agit Kabayel, who is next up in the sanctioning body rotation system.

After that, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh intends to pursue a rematch between Usyk and Verhoeven.

Usyk’s next two fights revealed

Speaking post-fight, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh said: “It is the choice of Usyk, now is not the right time.

“He is in the line, but also he [Rico] deserves a rematch after Kabayel.

“They are in the line, both of them. We want to see Kabayel, and we want to see the rematch with Rico in Holland.”

Usyk responded: “If your organisation is, I am ready. I can box them both.”

At the press conference on Thursday, Alalshikh revealed that Usyk’s next fight would take place in Istanbul, Turkey.

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He stopped short of naming the opponent, who we now know is Kabayel.

The German jumped in the ring in the immediate aftermath of Usyk’s lukewarm performance and said: “First of all, congratulations, Oleksandr.

“I have waited so long for this situation [to work itself out]. I am ready, Germany is ready for the fight.

“All the German fans are waiting. There are many Ukrainian people in Germany.

“Let’s do it in Germany in a stadium. I think all the fans in boxing want the fight…

“I am the No.1 contender with the WBC. I am next.”

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