Kickboxing icon Rico Verhoeven is open to taking on Oleksandr Usyk in the ring.
Turki Alalshikh, widely regarded as the most powerful figure in boxing, recently spoke highly of the potential crossover bout.
In June 2025, Verhoeven stepped away from kickboxing after a dominant win over the last man to beat Alex Pereira.
Subsequently, the 36-year-old has been connected with potential blockbuster bouts against Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou.
However, it is unlikely those fights will occur if Alalshikh achieves his goal.
Rico Verhoeven offers up hybrid rules proposal for Oleksandr Usyk match-up
Verhoeven sounded eager to take on Usyk in 2026, but he is hoping they will do it under a unique set of rules.
The Dutch striker thinks the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion should face him under a format that alternates between boxing and kickboxing rounds.
He took to X to share his idea, writing: “That is the challenge I’ve been waiting for.
“UNDISPUTED vs UNDISPUTED.
“1 round boxing / 1 round kickboxing.
“Let’s see if we can get to 12.”
Usyk has not said anything about the proposed fight yet, though he did repost Alalshikh’s tweet promoting the potential match-up.
Usyk discussing deal with Dana White
Oleksandr Usyk is currently in talks with Dana White about a potential move to Zuffa Boxing.
The discussions were confirmed by Sergey Lapin, the Ukrainian’s Sports Director, who said conversations between the two sides are ongoing.
“There is contact, there is dialogue, and interest exists [from Dana White and Zuffa Boxing]. Details aren’t for the public right now. Let’s say a few doors are open, and if format, numbers, and timing align, the market could see a move nobody expects,” Lapin revealed.
“Everyone has seen what he [White] did. He turned old MMA into the global UFC machine. His real power is packaging not just a fight but an event. If he gets involved, the scale and attention immediately become different,”
If Usyk does sign with Zuffa Boxing, it is unclear how that would affect any plans for him to face Verhoeven.
White has not been a fan of crossover events in the past, but might be willing to make an exception if it helps strengthen his relationship with Alalshikh.
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