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What would shock Verhoeven loss mean for Usyk legacy?
Oleksandr Usyk takes on Rico Verhoeven tomorrow night safe in the expectation that he will emerge victorious once more.
The unified WBA, WBC and IBF champion takes to the ring at the Giza necropolis, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View and Ultimate.
Victory for the Ukrainian would add another notch to an impressive pro career that has thrice earned him undisputed status.
Indeed, such is the relative oddity of his latest bout with the Dutch kickboxer, not all of the sport's bodies signed off at first.
DAZN FACE OFF: Usyk vs. Verhoeven
Watch dramatic clash here
Ultimately, Usyk will only defend two of his crowns tonight - the WBA and WBC - with the IBF electing to preserve their strap.
But that in itself raises some major questions - namely, what happens to Usyk and his legacy if Verhoeven scores the upset?
What happens if Usyk loses to Verhoeven?
The ramifications for a title bout loss against Verhoeven would be spectacular for Usyk, but with added complications involved.
As the IBF are not putting their crown on the line, the Dutchman cannot win it - but the Ukrainian could be stripped if he loses.
Likewise, the WBA will not allow Verhoeven to become their champion if victorious, but again, Usyk faces questions with defeat.
The sanctioning body have indicated that, rather strip the star, their WBA Championship Committee would review his status.
Conversely however, victory for Verhoeven would earn him the WBC strap - and crown him as a champion heavyweight boxer.
What would defeat mean for Usyk's legacy?
There is an argument to be made that Usyk's legacy is unaffected if he comes up short against Verhoeven on Saturday night.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
There is a point to be had there. One loss does not reshape the star's remarkable achievements across a glittering career.
His wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois have established him as the top heavyweight of his generation.
But Verhoeven is ultimately a novice boxer in the traditional sense, a crossover star with a theoretically limited set of skills.
Should he upset Usyk, it would be one of the sport's all-time shocks - and would undoubtedly put an asterisk on his reputation.
What would Verhoeven do if he wins?
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
If Verhoeven leaves the ring with his arm raised on Saturday night, it reshuffles the entire landscape of the heavyweight class.
With a world title slung across his shoulder, the Dutchman immediately becomes a prime target for several leading contenders.
It seems unlikely that Usyk would not have a rematch clause in play, allowing him to mount an immediate bid for revenge.
But beyond that, Agit Kabayel is lurking as interim champion, while Moses Itauma would undoubtedly zero in on a crack too.
Strangely, victory likely means that Verhoeven's hands are tied - unless he calls it a one-and-done, vacates and departs victorious.
Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN
Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
