The initiative for such a fight belongs to the Saudi Arabia Minister of Entertainment Turki Al-Sheikh, who publicly supported the crossover match between the Ukrainian titleholder and the Dutchman who dominated kickboxing for many years.
Wardley, who received the full WBO title after Usyk vacated the belt, does not hide his negative attitude towards this idea. The British boxer believes such a match does not correspond to the level of a true challenge for the champion.
"I am very disappointed," Wardley stated in an interview with Sky Sports. "Through matches against Dubois and others, I've proven that I strive to meet only the best in the world. These are the kind of fights that motivate me."
In Wardley’s opinion, a fight with Verhoeven does not hold real sporting value and does not provide grounds for granting a title shot. However, he acknowledges Usyk's achievements: "I understand that at this stage of his career, Oleksandr has earned the right to determine his opponents and choose who to spend time in the ring with."
Wardley emphasized that despite his personal disagreement with the idea, he fully respects Usyk's status as one of the greatest masters of modern boxing, who can afford less competitive fights without affecting his legacy.