Oleksandr Usyk Struggles to Retain Titles in Egypt; Former Manager Questions His Readiness.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven: A Hard-Fought Bout

According to Novyny.live: Oleksandr Usyk faced significant difficulty defending his championship belts against Dutch boxer Rico Verhoeven during a match held in Egypt. The performance has raised concerns from his former manager, Oleksandr Krasiuk, who openly questioned Usyk's preparation leading into the fight. According to Krasiuk,

“I would have advised him to retire before stepping into the ring with Rico Verhoeven.”

What’s Next for Usyk?

Now 39 years old, the Ukrainian boxer has recently switched trainers, with Yehor Holub taking over from previous coach Yuriy Tkachenko. Despite the grueling contest, Usyk intends to compete in two more bouts in the future. This situation has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts tracking his career trajectory.

Usyk remains a prominent figure in the sport, but his latest outing has already fueled debate about his next moves. His upcoming decisions—including opponent selection and training approach—will be closely watched, as they could significantly shape his legacy and future opportunities inside the ring.

The bout against Verhoeven marked a pivotal moment in Usyk's career, given his age and the recent coaching changes. Krasiuk's remarks suggest that within boxing circles, serious conversations about Usyk's retirement are gaining traction, especially after such a challenging performance. How Usyk responds—both in terms of his fight choices and training regimen—will likely determine his standing and prospects moving forward.