Rico Verhoeven came close to a huge upset in May as he pushed Oleksandr Usyk to the limit in an audacious bid for the WBC heavyweight title. Now, it seems as though the Ukrainian will move on from a potential rematch and Verhoeven’s trainer Peter Fury has offered his thoughts on that decision.

Usyk was expected to easily dispatch of Verhoeven when they collided in an unconventional and much-criticised match-up at the Pyramids of Giza two months ago, with Verhoeven’s 1-0 record seeing him disregarded as a threat to the throne.

However, the Dutchman provided Usyk with his ‘toughest fight to date’ in a performance that has since convinced the latter to vacate his three heavyweight world titles and fight in one ‘last dance’ before retirement.

The 39-year-old now seems set to take on Deontay Wilder in his final outing, with a planned location and timescale for that clash since being unveiled.

Verhoeven’s trainer Peter Fury has now reacted to that decision in an interview with Seconds Out, who said he held no grudge against Usyk for swerving a rematch with the kickboxing star.

“As far as I know on social media Usyk is fighting Wilder next. I don’t think so [that he is avoiding Verhoeven]. Usyk has done everything in the sport and he is going to fight who he wants to fight.

“He is an incredible man, Usyk, the man has done everything, so full props to him. He is a great champion.”

Usyk-Wilder is expected to take place under the Zuffa Boxing banner, with the Ukrainian seeking to add the Zuffa Boxing heavyweight world title to his extensive list of achievements whilst simultaneously bolstering his phenomenal résumé.