Frank Warren Voices Concerns Over Oleksandr Usyk’s Bout with Rico Verhoeven

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is preparing for a major comeback in boxing. He will face kickboxing sensation Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Giza, Egypt. The fight marks Usyk’s first outing since his stoppage victory over Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last July.

The WBC has approved this fight as a voluntary defense of Usyk’s belt before he takes on his mandatory challenger, Agit Kabayel. Currently, Usyk holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, making this one of the most anticipated heavyweight matchups of the year. This showdown is widely being discussed online as Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven May 2026, generating huge anticipation among boxing fans.

Frank Warren Shares His Thoughts

Promoter Frank Warren has made it clear that he “don’t like” the planned Usyk-Verhoeven fight. He believes Usyk should have first taken on his mandatory challengers instead.

“I don’t like it. I’ll tell you straight. He should have fought Fabio (Wardley); that’s what he should have done, and he didn’t do that,” Warren said.

Oleksandr chose to vacate the WBO belt rather than face Fabio Wardley, who is one of Warren’s clients. According to the promoter, Usyk’s next step should have been to face Agit Kabayel for the WBC title.

“The next thing he should have done was fight Agit Kabayel. That’s who he’s got to fight next, for the WBC title. He’s got to defend that title, and we're pushing for that,” Warren added.

He also commented on Usyk’s future plans, noting that while he has no issues with the three bouts Usyk wants to pursue, the WBC title would need to be vacated if those fights go ahead. “He (Usyk) put out the three fights he’d like to make, and I have no problems with those fights. But if he wants to do those fights, he’s gonna have to vacate the WBC title, because Agit’s been there for a long time waiting.”

This upcoming bout is being referred to by analysts as the Usyk WBC title voluntary defense fight, highlighting its significance before Usyk’s next mandatory clash.

What’s Next for Usyk?

Fans and analysts are eagerly watching to see whether Usyk sticks to his voluntary defense plan or shifts focus to his mandatory challengers. The clash with Verhoeven is expected to draw global attention due to the unique matchup between a boxing heavyweight and a kickboxing legend.