Rico Verhoven, the world kickboxing star and former opponent of Alexander Usyk, has once again drawn public attention by posting fresh footage from his training camp on social media. In the video, the athlete is seen working on a double-end bag and a heavy bag on springs — exercises that are characteristic of boxing, rather than kickboxing, training. According to Sport RBC.UA, citing Verhoven's Instagram page, such posts appear to serve as a signal of his intentions to return to professional boxing and find a new opponent.
The Training Camp as a Public Signal
For a fighter of this caliber, posting training clips is not merely a report on routine, but a tool for managing the attention of fans and the betting market. The double-end bag and spring bag work directly point to a boxing-specific preparation, which, combined with Verhoven's past statements about his desire to continue his career in the gloves, reads as preparation for a major event. Thus, the Dutchman is effectively "heating up" interest in his own return without revealing specific dates or opponents.
The Saudi Vector: Turki Al-Sheikh's Ambitious Plan
In parallel with the fighter's own public signals, a concrete initiative has already emerged in the background. The head of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, is reportedly seeking to arrange a bout for Verhoven against the newly crowned IBF world champion Filip Hrgovic. The Croatian boxer recently pulled off a major upset, defeating British prospect Moses Iitauma by technical knockout in the ninth round, which has made his title — and himself — an extremely attractive target for high-profile fights in the Middle East.
A Rematch with Usyk: The Dutchman's Personal Stance
At the same time, one should not forget Verhoven's own narrative. He previously stunned the public by stating his desire to fight a rematch with Alexander Usyk, calling that bout the one he wants above all else. This position adds an extra layer of anticipation: fans and analysts are trying to reconcile the fighter's personal will with the commercial plans of the Saudi organizers, who, it seems, are considering a different, no less spectacular option for him.
Contradictory Data
Here there is a clear discrepancy between two lines. On the one hand, Verhoven himself publicly emphasizes the rematch with Usyk, positioning it as his priority fight. On the other hand, Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh is pushing a scenario featuring a bout against IBF champion Filip Hrgovic. Neither side has yet confirmed a final fight announcement, and the camp footage published by Verhoven contains no direct indication of a specific opponent. Thus, both scenarios remain at the stage of intentions and public statements, and the final choice of opponent may depend on agreements between the camps and the promoters.
What Comes Next
In the coming weeks, the key factor will be what official announcements emerge from the Saudi promoters and from Verhoven himself. If Al-Sheikh's initiative is realized, we will see a fight with Hrgovic; if the Dutchman's position remains the priority, talks of a rematch with Usyk will reach a new level. For now, the publication of training footage is a confirmed fact, while a specific bout is still merely a matter of expectations and conflicting versions.
