Oleksandr Usyk set to snub Rico Verhoeven rematch as Jon Jones named one of two options for final fight

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Oleksandr Usyk is interested in bouts with Jon Jones and Deontay Wilder for his farewell bout.And should he choose either option for what will now be his ‘last dance’, it would leave recent rival Rico Verhoeven out in the cold.Jones is now one of two big-name targets for Usyk, in what would be yet another big crossover boutGettyUsyk recently was fortunate to stop unlikely challenger Verhoeven in the penultimate round of their clash.The Dutch kickboxing natural demanded a rematch in the immediate aftermath, but it appeared Usyk would instead take his mandated defence against Agit Kabayel.But instead the Ukrainian has decided to vacate his unified WBC, IBF and WBA titles for one final bow. Now, according to Usyk’s team director Sergey Lapin, there are two options for his planned outing.Deontay Wilder, whom ‘The Cat’ previously held deep negotiations with, is one of two main options as he looks to fight on American shores.But surprisingly, he has named UFC legend Jones as a potential option.It would leave Verhoeven out of the picture with Jones likely considered a bigger commercial opportunity, despite interest in a sequel.Jones remains under contract with the UFC, but has made pleas to be released to try and clear his future.‘Bones’ has toyed with the idea of retirement, but if he can break his agreement, a lucrative crossover clash in boxing could be an option.The American icon previously held talks with Tyson Fury over a clash in 2023, in a clear indication that he would be open to making a surprise switch.Usyk vs Wilder has been considered in the past and is now back on the tableGettyUsyk has also suggested he’d be keen on fighting in MMA, in what could also be a way to lure Jones back.Eddie Hearn – Usyk will face Wilder nextThe concrete option has yet to be announced by Usyk, with a final bout likely to come at the end of the year or even early in 2027.However promoter Hearn has suggested that it will be the ‘Bronze Bomber’ who will get the call.He explained: “He’s earned the right to do whatever he wants. So, he’s going to fight Wilder next, I believe. “That’s just the fight that he wants to take. He’ll just go to all bidders and say, ‘Where’s the most amount of money I can get for that fight?’ And that will be him done.“I think maybe he’s realizing, does he want to be put under pressure of an ordered fight, a 28-day negotiation, a purse bid, and then taking part in the fight in the next 90 days? Watch Boxing on DAZN*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenueSign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.Click here to sign up.“Does he want to go to Germany and fight Agit Kabayel? You know, is he slipping? I don’t know, but I think he’s earned the right to do whatever he wants.”