Joshua backs Usyk-Verhoeven rematch over Kabayel defense

Anthony Joshua thinks Oleksandr Usyk should run back the Rico Verhoeven fight before defending against WBC interim titlist Agit Kabayel.

The former two-time heavyweight champ told The Ring's Rick Reeno that the Verhoeven rematch carries more commercial weight than the mandatory Kabayel defense, even if the latter is the legacy play. Usyk stopped Verhoeven in a controversial 11th-round finish on May 23 at the Pyramids of Giza, but the Dutch kickboxing star was level or ahead on all three cards when the referee waved it off with a second left in the frame.

"As a fight fan, respectfully, not as a fight historian, I want to see Rico versus Usyk again," Joshua said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. "Usyk-Kabayel is still a massive fight. I like the way Kabayel is calling him out, but from a pure fan point of view, I think the rematch would just be amazing."

Why Joshua favors Verhoeven sequel over Kabayel clash

Joshua split the difference between spectacle and substance. He called Kabayel the fight for Usyk's legacy — the Ring and unified champion is under WBC order to face the interim belt holder — but said the Verhoeven rematch generates more money because of the attention the first fight drew. Verhoeven, a kickboxing champion making his pro boxing debut, was up 96-94 on one card and 95-95 on the other two when referee Tony Weeks stopped it after a late knockdown.

"We need to let Oleksandr enjoy his victory because the referee did what he was supposed to do, and that was either let the fight continue or stop it, and he decided to stop it," Joshua said, per The Ring. "I think Usyk would have done what was needed to remain champion. He just has it in him."

Joshua was originally slated to face Verhoeven himself before stepping away after a December car crash that killed two close friends. The WBC has since ordered Usyk to face Kabayel, though a Verhoeven sequel appears likely at some point.

Source: ringmagazine.com